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The 



Centennial History 



of the 



Associate Reformed Presbyterian 



Church. 



1803-1903 



Prepared and Published by order of 
the Synod. 



Charleston, S. C. 
Presses of Walker, Evans & Cogswell Co., 
1905. 




Gift 

Publisher 



PREFACE. 



The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod, at its 
meeting in Chester, South Carolina, November ioth to 
14th, 1898, appointed the Rev. James Boyce, John T. 
Chalmers, D. D., and Rev. T. G. Boyce, Dr. J. I. 
McCain and J. E. McDonald, Esq., a committee on cen- 
tennial celebration. The Synod at its meeting in Char- 
lotte, North Carolina, the following year, adopted the re- 
port of this committee and among other things provided 
for "the publication of a centennial history, to contain 
sketches of all congregations and pastors in connection 
at any time with the Synod," and appointed the Rev. O. 
Y. Bonner, Rev. S. A. Agnew, D. D., and Rev. W. M. 
Hunter the editors of this volume. Vacancies on 
this committee have occurred from time to time. 
The death of Dr. Agnew and the resignation of 
Rev. O. Y. Bonner left only Rev. W. M. Hunter 
as a member of the original committee. At 
the Synod of 1902, at Pisgah, North Carolina, the Rev. 
J. C. Galloway, D. D., was elected chairman of the com- 
mittee, and at various times the following names have 
been added to the committee : Rev. J. W. Baird, Rev. C. 
E. McDonald, Rev. J. S. Mills, Rev. J. L. Young, Rev. 
C. S. Young, Rev. H. B. Blakely, Rev. I. S. Caldwell 
and Rev. B. H. Grier. All of these brethren have done 
faithful work, but the patience and perseverance of the 
Rev. Dr. Galloway and the Rev. W. M. Hunter deserve 
special mention. They have been unwearied in their 
search for historical data and much of the completeness 
and historical accuracy of these sketches are due to their 
painstaking efforts. It is with genuine satisfaction that 
the volume is now offered to the public. 

James Boyce, Chairman Publication Committee.. 



PREFACE. 



This memorial volume was prepared by order of the 
Synod to commemorate the centennial of the organization 
of the A. R. Synod of the South, the predecessor of the 
said Synod, the Synod of the Carolinas, having been or- 
ganized at the Brick Church, Fairfield Co., S. C, May 
the 9th, 1803. 

The volume contains a brief sketch of the A. R. 
Church, the Boards of the Church, and the various Pres- 
byteries. Also sketches of all licensed and ordained min- 
isters who have ever been in connection with the Synod, 
and sketches of all the congregations where such sketches 
were obtainable. And, finally, the various addresses 
which were delivered at the Centennial Synod in Winns- 
boro, S. C, November, 1903. 

It is a work which ought to have been done years ago, 
as much historical material is now irrecoverably lost. 




Committee. 



J. S. Mills, 
J. W. Baird, 
C. S. Young, 
J. L. Young, 



N. E. Pressly, 



Gastonia, N. C. 
April 20th, 1904. 



INDEX. 



PART I. 

PAGE. 



History of the A. R. P. Church.- I 

Sketch of Board of Foreign Missions 6 

Sketch of Board of Home Missions 10 

Arkansas Presbytery 12 

First Presbytery 14 

Georgia Presbytery 19 

Kentucky .Presbytery 20 

Memphis Presbytery 24 

Second Presbytery 27 

Tennessee and Alabama Presbyter}- 31 

Texas Presbytery 35 

Tampico Presbytery 36 

Virginia Presbytery 38 

PART II. 

Sketches of Ministers 41 

PART III. 

Sketches of Congregations 407 

PART IV. 

Centennial Addresses 615 

The Organization. — By Rev. J. C. Galloway 615 

The Men who Organized the Synod, and the Churches 

which Composed it. — By Rev. T. G. Boyce 625 



X 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 



The Wives of the A. R. P. Ministers.— By Rev. W. M. 

Hunter 637 

Scotch-Irish Presbyterianism in History. — By Hon. J. C. 

Hemphill 641 

Associate Reformed Presbyterianism and Education. — By 

Rev. E. B. Kennedy 662 

Introductory Remarks. — By Hon. J. N. Miller 640 

Associate Reformed Presbyterians and Missions. — By 

Rev. S. W. Haddon 682 

What the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 

Stands For.— By Rev. J. S. Moffatt 692 

The Hand of God in Our History. — By Rev. W. L. Pressly 701 

The Heritage our Fathers Left us. — By Rev. D. G. Phillips 716 

Introductory Remarks. — By Rev. R. G. Miller 732 

The Century Before us. — By Rev. W. W. Orr 733 



PART I. 

A GENERAL SKETCH. 



THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTE- 
RIAN CHURCH.— The Associate Reformed Presbyte- 
rian Church is a composite body of Scottish origin, being 
formed by the union of the Associate and the Reformed 
Presbyterians. Both of these bodies came into existence 
in protest against corruptions in the Established Church 
of Scotland. When Charles II. after the Restoration im- 
posed prelacy upon Scotland a large party in the Scotch 
Church true to the covenants in which they had sworn to 
extirpate prelacy and other evils, refused to conform. 
From this they were called Covenanters. By persecution 
the staunchest of these were driven in 1679 to armed re- 
sistance. Defeated and outlawed, they suffered fierce per- 
secution until William III. came to the throne in 1688. 
By him Presbyterianism was re-established in Scotland. 
But on account of the royal supremacy, the refusal to 
recognize the covenants, and the inclusion of the prelat- 
ists, some of the Covenanters refused to return to the 
Established Church. Of these was organized the Re- 
formed Presbytery in 1743. 

Events proved the wisdom of their course. The Es- 
tablished Church soon became corrupt in doctrine and 
tyrannical in government. Under the law of patronage 
pastors were forced on unwilling congregations. In 
opening the Synod of Perth and Stirling in 1732 Eben- 
ezer Erskine preached against these abuses and was re- 
buked. He and three others protested and were rebuked 
by the General Assembly. Refusing to submit, they 



2 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



were deposed ; and soon after at Gairney Bridge, Decem- 
ber 6th, 1733, organized themselves into the Associate 
Presbytery. 

The presbytery thus formed grew rapidly, soon 
spreading to North Ireland ; whence many emigrated to 
America, settling principally in Pennsylvania, New York, 
and the Carolinas. In 1753 the Associate Presbytery of 
Pennsylvania was organized. Reformed Presbyterians 
had likewise early come to America and in 1774 a Re- 
formed Presbytery was organized near Harrisburg, 
Pennsylvania. 

Causes which kept Reformed and Associates sep- 
arate in the old country lost their meaning- in America. 
The movement for political union and independence, 
which both supported, suggested the taking of a similar 
ecclesiastical step. Accordingly in 1777 there w T ere 
opened negotiations for union which resulted in the or- 
ganization of the Associate Reformed Synod in Phila- 
delphia, November 1st, 1782. The Westminster Stand- 
ards were adopted, the sections concerning the civil 
magistrate being reserved for future revision. 

At the time of this union there were more than 
fifty societies of Associates and Covenanters south of 
the James River. In this wide region ministers of both 
bodies had labored; missionary tours had been made by 
'members of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania. 
There had been one pastoral settlement. With the form- 
ation of two other pastorates the Associate Reformed 
Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia was organized 
at Long Cane, S. C, February 24th, 1790, with four 
ministers and forty-four congregations. Ten years later 
this presbytery was divided, forming the First and 
Second presbyteries of the Carolinas and. Georgia. 

In the twenty years since its organization the growth 
of the Associate Reformed Synod had been such that in 
1802 it was deemed expedient to resolve the body into 
four synods and to organize a General Synod. Accord- 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



3 



ingly, on the 9th of May, 1803, the Associate Reformed 
Synod of the Carolinas was organized at Ebenezer, Fair- 
field county, S. C. This, with the synods of Pennsyl- 
vania, New York, and Scioto, organized the General 
Synod, May 30th, 1804. There followed five or six 
years of harmony, during which a theological seminary 
was established in New York City. Later, the govern- 
ment of the denomination became centralized ; the Gener- 
al Synod always met in Philadelphia; on account of 
distance the outlying synods were inadequately repre- 
sented. In the dominant party there developed an over- 
bearing spirit and a laxity of practice which kindled 
jealousy and suspicion. In consequence the Synod of 
Scioto withdrew and became independent in 1820; the 
Synod of the Carolinas followed, April 1st, 1822, chang- 
ing its name to the Associate Reformed Synod of the 
South. That there was ground for such action was 
proved a few weeks later when the General Synod, 
disregarding the vote of its presbyteries, united with 
the Presbyterian Church. 

These events left the Associate Reformed Church 
in a dismembered condition, the several synods having 
no organic connection. In 1826 the Synod of the South 
made an effort to have the General Synod reorganized, 
and, in spite of failure, continued to cherish the hope un- 
til the growing alienation of the northern synods com- 
pelled its abandonment about ten years later. 

At its organization in 1803 the Synod of the Caro- 
linas had about two thousand members. The slow 
growth which characterized the next thirty years was 
due in part to conditions just described; in part to the 
work of a closely related body, the Associate Presbytery 
of the Carolinas, in the same field. Organized in 1803 
by disaffected Associate Reformed ministers, it divided 
the field, rent congregations and caused a waste of 
energy in dissension. The more than one thousand 
members which it gathered should have been Associate 
Reformed. 



4 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



During this period emigration to the West and 
Northwest also proved a constant drain. Those moving 
to the Northwest were lost to the Synod. The movement 
to what was then the West, while causing a temporary 
loss, planted many new congregations and stimulated 
the Synod to great missionary activity. The States of 
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky 
were for many years traversed at intervals by ministers 
on horseback gathering, organizing and holding the 
dispersed "Seceders" till a regular ministry could be 
provided. The results of this work were seen when be- 
tween 1837 and 1843 four new presbyteries were organ- 
ized in this region. 

This expansion increased the demand for workers • 
and the Synod, since 1822 an independent body, under- 
took to educate her own ministry. Two theological 
professors were elected in 1825 and served several years. 
In 1834 steps were taken which resulted in the estab- 
lishment of Erskine College four years later. In 1837 
another professor of theology was elected. 

In no period of her history has our Church been 
more active and prosperous. In 1843 the publication 
of a monthly, the "Christian Magazine of the South," 
was undertaken. For ten years the Associates had been 
returning and in 1844 the re-union was completed. The 
missionary spirit outgrew the wide home field. Con- 
tributions to foreign work were made through the boards 
of other churches. In 1843 there was begun an inves- 
tigation looking to independent work which resulted in 
the African Mission. Both in America and Liberia 
colored youths were put in training for service. But the 
plan proved a failure and was abandoned about ten years 
later. From the consequent discouragement the mis- 
sionary spirit began to recover just as the outbreak of 
war rendered work impossible. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War the condition of 
the Associate "Reformed Church was full of promise. 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



5 



The generation then living had seen field, ministry, and 
membership grow greatly. Seven new presbyteries had 
been erected. Institutions of learning had sprung into 
vigorous life. The war arrested progress and destroyed 
in part the results of past effort. Endowments were 
swept away ; institutions were closed. The wealth of 
the Associate Reformed people was destroyed, but not 
their spirit. With zeal disorganized work was resumed, 
with sacrifice supported. A temporary endowment was 
provided for Erskine College, followed after a few years 
by a permanent fund which approximates $100,000. A 
fund of $42,000 has been raised for the Theological Sem- 
inary. The missionary spirit revived. Plans were 
perfected for work in co-operation with the United 
Presbyterian Board and in 1875 Miss Mary E. Galloway 
was sent to Egypt. With her death in 1881 work in 
this field closed. But independent work had already 
been undertaken. In 1878 Rev. Neill E. Pressly was 
sent to Mexico, where a successful and growing work has 
been prosecuted since. 

There has been a like revival of home missionary 
activity, attention being turned more and more to cities 
and towns. Many of these have been occupied and new 
fields are constantly offering. In the interest of home 
and foreign missions and education the Synod is raising 
a fund of $60,000. 

For some years there has been a growing desire for 
union, or reunion, with brethren of the North who since 
1858 have borne the name of United Presbyterians. But 
hitherto neither body has been willing to make conces- 
sion in those matters of minor and mainly historical 
importance which alone separate them. 

The present condition of the Associate Reformed 
Church is one of health and growth. In doctrine she is 
sound • to distinctive principles loyal ; in work aggres- 
sive; in spirit united. Her growth, while slow, has 
brought in no element of weakness. Her present 



6 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



strength is indicated by the following statistics : Pres- 
byteries 9; congregations 151; ministers 107- members 
12,000. 

In conserving sound doctrine and pure worship as 
well as in saving souls, past history and present condi- 
tions alike indicate that an important work is possible 
for the Associate Reformed Church. 

BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.— The Board of 
Foreign Missions, as at present constituted, was organ- 
ized in 1873. This Board, however, had its predecessors. 
In 1837, at a Meeting of Synod held at "Due West Cor- 
ner," the following action was taken : 

"Resolved that Messrs. Wilson, Flenniken & Young 
be appointed a Board of Foreign Missions for one year." 

It would seem however, that beyond raising some 
Funds for the cause, little was done for a number of 
years. Such Funds as were raised were contributed to 
the Board of other Churches, in 1837 to The Board of 
Commissioners of the Synod of New York, and in 1839, 
to The Board of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. 
In 1843 the question of establishing a Foreign Mission 
of its own began to be agitated by the Synod. In 1845 
it became very much interested in Liberia, on the west 
coast of Africa, as a field for Foreign Work. As a 
result a school for training colored men for work in this 
field, was established in Kentucky under the supervision 
of Rev. N. M. Gordon, and, in addition to this, four boys, 
natives, were maintained in the school of Thos. Ware, 
colored — afterwards conducted by Rev. H. W. Erskine, 
of the Presbyterian Board — in Liberia, Africa, with a 
view to employing them as Missionaries to their own 
people. The following extract from the minutes of 
Synod of 1847, w ^ show how lively an interest was 
taken in this scheme at that time, "The Committee to 
whom was referred the subject of the African Mission, 
have had it under consideration and recommend that a 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



7 



member from each Presbytery be appointed constituting 
a Board to take charge of the whole subject as to employ- 
ing a teacher in Africa, selecting proper persons and 
making provision for their education ; and that for prose- 
cuting this work the Board be directed to communicate 
with the churches generally on this subject and be au- 
thorized to draw on the Foreign Mission Fund for the 
sum of $500." "The report," it is added, "was received 
for consideration and after a full and harmonious ex- 
pression of opinion on the subject was unanimously 
adopted. Synod then united in singing the 126th Psalm 
and in prayer by J. Wilson." The Board provided for 
in this action consisted of Rev. N. M. Gordon, Rev. T. 
Turner, Rev. W. R. Hemphill, Rev. J. Wilson, Rev. L. 
McDonald, and Rev. J. M. Young. But the scheme 
failed and the Church was so discouraged that at the next 
meeting of Synod, 1857, the Boarpl of Foreign Missions 
was "discharged." 

In 1858, the very next year the Board was reorgan- 
ized. The following is the minute in relation to the 
reorganization. "The Committee on Foreign Missions 
report that in their judgment the Synod should reorgan- 
ize the Board of Foreign Missions and it is believed that 
the members constituting the Board should live in the 
vicinity of each other." This recommendation was 
adopted and the Board as reorganized consisted of the 
following persons, Rev. J. Boyce, D. D., Rev. R. W. 
Brice, Rev. L. McDonald, Rev. A. R. Ross, Rev. J. C. 
Chalmers, John Simpson, Henry Elliott and J. Y. Mills, 
Esqrs. Of this Board Dr. Boyce was Chairman and 
Rev. R. W. Brice, Secretary and Treasurer. Its Head- 
quarters were at "Chesterville" S. C. This Board ad- 
dressed itself vigorously to the work before it, and 
selected Alexandria, Egypt, as the field and were in 
earnest search for a Missionary when the War between 
the States put an end to this work. In 1873, before the 
country or the Church had yet recuperated from the 



8 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



ravages of war, the Synod took up this matter again. A 
conference was held on the subject of Foreign Missions. 
The result was the Board of Foreign Missions was or- 
ganized once more. The roll of that Board as then con- 
stituted is as follows : Rev. Jas. Boyce, D. D., Rev. H. 
T. Sloan, D. D., Rev. R. W. Brice, Rev. W. M. Grier, 
D. D., Prof. J. P. Kennedy, Prof. Wm. Hood, Rev. J. 
I. Bonner, D. D., Rev. A. R. Ross, D. D., Rev. J. C. 
Chalmers, Rev. J. P. Weed, Jas. A. Brice and Dr. J. L. 
Pressly. 

Dr. Boyce was made Chairman of this Board and 
Dr. Bonner Secretary and Treasurer. On April 29, 
1 88 1, Dr. Bonner died and W. L. Pressly succeeded him 
as Secretary and Treasurer. On July 29, 1889 Dr. 
Boyce died and was succeeded in the Chair by Dr. W. 
M. Grier. Dr. Grier died Sept. 3, 1899, and was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. F. Y. Pressly, who still (Mar. 1903) 
occupies that position. 

In 1874, on invitation of that body the Synod re- 
solved to co-operate with the United Presbyterian 
Church in its work in Egypt, and on Jan. 28, 1875, Miss 
Alary E. Galloway (afterwards Mrs. Giffen) the first 
Foreign Missionary of the Associate Reformed Presby- 
terian Church, left for Egypt. 

In 1878 Synod took the following action: 

Resolved 1st., That Synod hereby renews its pledge 
to sustain our first Missionary. Mrs. M. E. Giffen, in 

Egypt- 

2nd. That the Synod will enlarge its Foreign Mis- 
sionary Work. 

3rd. That in said enlargement we will establish an 
independent Mission. 

4th. That said independent Mission be established in 
Mexico. 

5th. That the Board of Foreign Missions be directed 
to select the field and make all necessary arrangements 
to send out a Missionary as soon as practicable/' 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



9 



Rev. Neill E. Pressly was selected as the Missionary 
and Tampico on the gulf coast of the State of Tamaw- 
lipas, as the place. Mr. Pressly began work here in 
Jan. r, 1880. This city is the center of that part of the 
field that lies on the gulf coast. It is also the seat of the 
Girls' School in which Miss Macie Stevenson and Miss 
Mattie Boyce and the lamented Miss Fannie L. Wallace, 
have rendered such efficient service. 

In 1888 the Mission was reinforced by the arrival of 
Rev. J. S. A. Hunter and wife. Mr. Hunter located at 
El Maiz. 

For a number of years a flourishing school has been 
maintained here, conducted by Miss Lavinia Neel. In 
1894 the Mission was still further strengthened by Rev. 
J. R. Edwards and wife. These are located at Rio Verde, 
San Luis Potosi. Besides the congregation, the Orphan- 
age is under the care of Mrs. Edwards. The Boys and 
Training Schools under Rev. J. G. Dale, and the medi- 
cal work of Mrs. Catherine Neel Dale, M. D., are all 
located in this town. 

In June 1888 the Presbytery of Tampico was or- 
ganized. At present there are on its roll the names of 
Foreign Missionaries — four, Natives, ordained ministers 
and Licentiates, seven. The Presbytery has a Home 
Mission Board and supports one Home Missionary. The 
field covers the territory of three States, Vera Cruz, Ta- 
mawlipas and San Luis Potosi. 

Number of ordained Ministers, 9 ; Licentiates, 2 ; Fam- 
ilies, 112; Communicants, 292. 



Collections for 1902 $1,155.06 

Value of property — 

Church buildings $18,600.00 

Parsonage 2,600.00 

School property 6,000.00 

Orphanage property 1,000.00 

Total $28,200.00 



IO 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



BOARD OF HOME MISSIONS.— The idea of a 
Board of Home Missions originated with some of the ag- 
gressive preachers, but came before the Synod at New 
Hope, S. C, Oct. 21st, 1887, in the form of a resolution 
ottered by Air. A. G. Brice, directing the Committee on 
Domestic Missions to report whether or not the organiza- 
tion of such a Board would be for the best interest of that 
branch of our work. There was opposition in the com- 
mittee, but it did report favorably and presented a plan 
for the formation and regulation of the Board. However, 
such a storm of opposition was raised by some of the older 
and influential members in Synod that the whole matter 
was deferred for a year. In 1888, during the meeting of 
Synod at Potts Station. Ark., the matter came before 
the committee on Domestic Missions and there was such 
opposition, that the member from the First Presbytery 
pledged that the Board would not cost the Synod a cent 
for the first year, that all expenses would be met by First 
Presbytery. The committee agreed to report favorably. 
This report, though opposed by some, after the same 
guarantee was made, was adopted by the Synod, and the 
plan of organization was accepted, and the following 
persons were elected to constitute the Board of Home 
Missions, Revs. W. W. Orr, G. R. White, C. E. Mc- 
Donald, R. G. Miller, D. G. Caldwell and A. G. Brice, 
Esq. 

These members met in Charlotte, at a hotel, on 
November 20th. 1888, and organized by electing the fol- 
lowing officers : 

President. R. G. Miller; Cor. Sec, W. W. Orr; 
Recording Sec, C. E. McDonald; Treasurer, G. R. 
White. The first year was spent in getting the work in 
hand and in organizing Young Men's Home Mission 
Societies in many congregations. These contributed to 
the support of the Board, also the corresponding sec- 
retary spent three months in the field holding meetings 
and stirring up the Church members; and received 177 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



II 



accessions to the churches. This work was continued 
for some years and was commonly called evangelistic 
work. The 2nd year 174 were added to the church and 
the 3d year 363. 

During the first nine years of the Board's existence 
while Rev. W. W. Orr was Cor. Sec, and doing more 
or less Evangelistic work, there were nearly 2600 persons 
added to the Church, and over $9,000.00 raised for the 
Home Mission work. The members of the Board were 
re-elected by the Synod at New Hope, Ky., in 1890. 
Rev. C. E. McDonald moving to Winnsboro, S. C, re- 
signed, and Rev. C. E. Todd was elected in his place in 
1892. In 1895 Rev. J. C. Galloway was elected to take the 
place of Rev. C. E. Todd who moved to Due West, and 
at same time Rev. W. Y. Love was elected to take the 
place of Rev. D. G. Caldwell who was also at Due West. 
At a meeting of Synod at Chicota, Tex., the constitution 
of Board was so changed at the request of Board as to 
consist of seven members instead of six, and Rev. J. T. 
Chalmers was elected a member. The Synod at Belfast 
Tenn., 1897, assigned Rev. W. W. Orr to the Mission at 
Corsicana, Texas, severing his connection with the Board 
against its earnest protest. Rev. James Boyce was at 
the same meeting elected a member of the Board in his 
stead. At the next meeting of the Board Rev. J. T. 
Chalmers was elected Cor. Sec, and performed well all 
the duties of that office except inspection of stations and 
evangelistic work. Since Rev. W. W. Orr's severance 
from the Board there has been no evangelistic work done 
by the secretary. In 1898, J. S. Moffatt was elected a 
member to fill out the term of James Boyce, who moved 
to Due West. , 

During the ten years of the Board's existence, 
through its agency, fourteen churches have been organ- 
ized, with a membership of more than 1,000. Among 
these are Atlanta, Columbia, Rock Hill, Little Rock, 
Corsicana and East Avenue. The money put into 
churches during that period is more than $85,000.00. 



12 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



In 1900, Rev. J. T. Chalmers resigned on account of 
his declining strength, and Rev. Oliver Johnston was 
elected in his place. In Dec. of the same year the Board 
was reorganized and Rev. J. C. Galloway, D. D., was 
elected chairman, Rev. W. Y. Love recording sec- 
retary, R. G. Miller cor. sec, and Rev. G. R. White 
treasurer. On account of distance Rev. Love resigned 
recording secretaryship and Rev. Oliver Johnston was 
elected in his stead. , 

At Pisgah in 1902, the term of the Boards expiring, 
and on this Board's recommendation (the Board of 
Church extension having recommended the same thing 
the previous year) these two Boards were consolidated 
and their work combined. The members were increased 
to nine. 

The members of the old Board of Home Missions, 
with Dr. George Pressly and J. G. Bigham were elected 
members of the new Board, and it was named "The 
Board of Home Missions." In Dec, 1902, Dr. Galloway 
was elected chairman, R. G. Miller cor. sec, Oliver 
Johnston recording secretary, and G. R. White treasurer. 

ARKANSAS PRESBYTERY.— In the early part of 
the past century the tide of emigration began to flow from 
the eastern to the western States. Thousands of people 
left their homes in the Carolinas and Georgia in search of 
a more fertile soil beyond the Mississippi. As early as 
1850 a considerable number of Associate Reformed 
Presbyterians had found permanent homes in the State of 
Arkansas. They settled mostly in colonies in different 
parts of the State, and where they had sufficient numbers 
asked Synod to supply them with the ordinances of God's 
word. 

One of the first ministers of our faith to visit the 
State was Rev. John Patrick, who came in 1852. He 
visited Pope County, and after visiting other points, re- 
turned in Jan., 1853, and organized Pisgah, the first A. 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 13 

R. P. Church organized in the State. A little later Revs. 
W. S. MofTatt, J. M. Brown, and J. K. Boyce came into 
the State as home missionaries. Rev. John Wilson also 
visited this field. Under their efficient labors the Mon- 
ticello church was organized in 1855, Mt. Zion in 1858, 
Hickory Springs, and Prosperity in 1859, and Saline in 
1861. 

On Friday before the first Sabbath of May, 1861, 
Revs. John Patrick, J. M. Brown, J. A. Dickson, W. S. 
Moffatt and A. Mayn met at Pisgah church and organ- 
ized the Arkansas Presbytery. The territory covered by 
this Presbytery is the State of Arkansas. 

The years immediately following were unfavorable 
for church work. The country was disturbed by the 
Civil War. Nearly all the young men, the hope of the 
church, joined the army; homes were broken up and the 
natural support of the church taken away. The general 
demoralization incident to the war and reconstruction 
days proved a great hindrance to the church. During 
this period the only additional laborer to come into the 
presbytery was the Rev. David Kerr. 

In 1867 there were two additions to the membership 
of the Presbytery. Rev. M. Oates, who became pastor 
of Pisgah, and Rev. John Wilson, who supplied Monti- 
cello. About this time Revs. Brown, Dickson and Kerr 
and a number of private members withdrew and con- 
nected with the Southern Presbyterian church. 

The Ebenezer church was organized in 1869. In the 
same year, Rev. J. P. Marion came into the bounds of 
the Presbytery, and labored mostly in the southern part 
of the State, for the space of six years. 

In 1 87 1, New Hope church was added to the list; in 
1872 Rev. J. C. McDonald began his labors at Prosper- 
ity and New Hope ; in 1873 the Shady Grove church was 
organized, and in 1874 Rev. J. S. A. Hunter and Rev. 
W. A. Wilson were added to the ministerial force. In 
1875 Camp Creek was organized and 1879 Zion Church. 



i 4 A GENERAL SKETCH. 

In the latter year Rev. J. L. Young became a member 
of the presbytery and was called to the pastorate of the 
Monticello church. Rev. W. L. Patterson labored at 
Ebenezer and Zion from '80 to '84 — and Rev. J. P. Er- 
win continued the work from '85 to '92. Rev. T. G. 
Boyce was pastor of Shady Grove and Hickory Springs 
from 1888 to 1892, and Rev. F. B. Stewart served in the 
same capacity from 1894 to 1899. 

Churches were organized at Russellville and Little 
Rock in 1893. In 1895 Rev. M. T. Ellis began his pas- 
torate at Prosperity and New Hope. In 1896 Rev. J. C. 
Douglas became pastor at Russellville. Rev. G. G. Par- 
kinson took up the work at Little Rock, July, 1895, and 
organized a church at Jacksonville in 1896. In 1898 
Rev. J. W. McCain began his work at Saline • in 1900 
Rev. J. W. Carson at Pottsville and Bethany; Rev. L. 
Hickman at Zion, and Rev. A. H. Griffith at Little Rock. 
Rev. J. A. Smith was installed as pastor of the Russell- 
ville church in April, 1902. 

At present the presbytery has eight active ministers, 
twelve churches and nearly nine hundred members. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERY.— -The First Presbytery 
of the A. R. Synod of the South was formed by the divis- 
ion of the Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia into 
two presbyteries. 

Neither the place where this organization took place 
nor the day of the month is definitely known. It oc- 
curred some time in October, 1800. As an organization, 
therefore, it antedates the Synod of which it forms a 
part by something like two and one-half years. 

At that time, or at least in 1798, two years previous, 
there were eight ministers in connection with the Pres- 
bytery of the Carolinas and Georgia, viz., David Both- 
well, James Rogers, William Blackstock, Peter McMullen, 
John Hemphill, James McKnight, Alexander Porter and 
William Dixon. 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



15 



Of these, it is probable that Revs. James Rogers, Wil- 
liam Blackstock, John Hemphill and James McKnight 
became the original members of the First Presbytery. 

The following churches were probably embraced in the 
First Presbytery at its organization, viz: 

In South Carolina: Ebenezer, (York Co.) Steel 
Creek (sometimes called Blackstock), Neely's Creek, 
Ebenezer (Fairfield Co.), Rocky Creek (now Hopewell), 
Rocky Creek Meeting House (now Union), Ebenezer 
(now New Hope). 

In North Carolina: Coddle Creek, Nezu Hope ? 
Gilead, Prosperity, Rock Springs, New Sterling, New 
Perth, Sardis, Providence and Waxhaw. 

In the division of the original Presbytery of the 
Carolinas and Georgia, all that part of the Presbytery 
lying to the east of Broad River, was designated as the 
territory of the First Presbytery. And probably by com- 
mon consent a line drawn on about the sajne parallel of 
latitude was recognized, extending from the Atlantic 
Ocean to the Mississippi River, for about the year 1830, 
we find the First Presbytery taking the oversight and 
sending supplies to a congregation in Obion County, 
Tenn. While at a later period the churches in Virginia 
were for a time connected with the First Presbytery. 

But the division of the Old Presbytery and the estab- 
lishment of two new ones was not altogether agreeable 
to some of the members, and for some time the dividing 
line between the First and Second Presbyteries was 
practically ignored. For example: Sardis and Provi- 
dence, N. C, and Waxhaw, S. C, remained in connec- 
tion with the Second Presbytery till 1805, while Cannon 
Creek, Kings Creek and Prosperity, S. C, continued un- 
der the care of the First Presbytery till 1825. And 
Sharon, Kings Mountain and Turkey Creek were under 
the care of the Second Presbytery until they left the A. 
R. Church and united with the Associate Church. 

The Records of the Presbytery for the first twenty- 



i6 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



nine years of its existence have been lost. The earliest 
minutes that we have been able to find were those of a 
meeting, held at "Sardis Meetinghouse," April 6, 1829. 
Members present Rev. Messrs. William Blackstock, John 
Hemphill, James McKnight, Isaac Grier, Eleazer 
Harris. Elders, John Millan, James Steel, Aba Scott. 

Rev. Jas. Rogers, Robt. Galloway and Jas. Lowrie 
absentees. 

In the absence of statistics it is impossible to present 
an accurate statement of the relative growth of the Pres- 
bytery. But the minutes above quoted show that the 
number of ministers had increased one hundred per cent, 
in the twenty-nine years of its existence, and we may 
suppose that the memberhip would increase in something 
like the same proportion. 

The following ministers have been or are now in con- 
nection with the First Presbytery : 



James Rogers 


J. B. Watt 


John Hemphill 


John Hunter 


William Blackstock 


J. K. Boyce 


James McKnight 


D. McCaw 


Isaac Grier 


M. Elder, Student 


Eleazer Harris 


I. G. McLaughlin 


Robert Galloway 


R. W. Brice 


James Lowry 


J. A. Sloan 


James Boyce 


Horatio Thompson 


W arren Flenniken 


John Patrick 


Jonathan Galloway 


Thos. Ketchin 


John Wilson 


John Miller 


W. R. Hemphill 


R. F. Taylor 


Robert McElroy 


J. R. Castles 


R. C. Grier 


E. E. Boyce 


James Walker 


D. P. Robinson 


L. McDonald 


W. M. McElwee 


S. C. Millen 


James M. Walker 


R. A. Ross 


A. F. Quay 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



H. Robinson 


W. A. M. Plaxco 


J. E. Pressly 


J. C. Galloway 


W. B. Pressly 


J. S. Moffatt 


C. B. Betts 


H. B. Blakely 


S. C. Boyce 


J. M. Grier 


J. C. Boyd 


C. R. Birnbach 


R Lathan 


T. B. Stewart 


M. Oates 


C. E. Todd 


R. L. Grier 


T. G. Boyce 


J. H. Simpson 


J. B. Cochran 


T. H. Peoples 


R. Y. Mills 


J. C. Chalmers 


J. P. Knox 


A. Ranson 


J. M. Garrison 


Josiah Moffatt 


A. G. Kirkpatrick 


E. E. Pressly 


W. S. Castles 


J. McTodd 


J. H. Moffatt 


J. S. A. Hunter 


E. B. Anderson 


G. R. White 


W. C. Ewart 


R. G. Miller 


J. H. Pressly 


J. S. Mills 


R. Livingston Grier 


W. M. Hunter 


J. M. White 


D. G. Caldwell 


E. F. Griffith 


J. M. McLain 


B. H. Grier 


W. Y. Love 


S. W. Reid 


J. P. Marion 


J. S. Grier 


W. W. Orr 


O. Johnston 


H. R. McAuley 


T. W. Sloan 


J. A. White 


J. G. Dale 


W. H. Millen 


A. S. Rogers 


W. O. Cochran 


J. E. Johnston 


H. Rabb 


S. J. Patterson 


W. T. Waller 


R. E. Hough 


J. T. Chalmers 


R. L. Robinson 


R. M. Stevenson 


L. T. Pressly 


M. W. Pressly 


J. M. Bigham 


C. E. McDonald 


A. J. Ranson 


J. Boyce, Jr 


J. B. Hood 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



T. W. Hayes 
J. L. Oates 



J. W. Carson 

R. Millen 

A. T. Lindsay 

R. C. Davidson 

J. Knox Montgomery 

J. W. Simpson 



D. P. Neill 



W. B. Lindsay 
A. H. Griffith 
I. S. Caldwell 



E. A. Ranson 



students : 



G. W. Hanna 
N. E. Smith 



B. G. Pressly 
G. L. Kerr 



Among the names appearing on this roll will be found 
some among the ablest and most efficient men whom our 
Church has produced, and some whom she has honored 
with the highest gifts in her possession, while as a whole 
they constitute a class of sound, earnest, devoted minis- 
ters of the Gospel, who have spent or are now spending 
their lives with much self-sacrifice and a commendable 
zeal in preaching the Gospel of the Son of God. 

A fine spirit of unity and brotherly love has always 
characterized the members of the Presbytery in their in- 
tercourse and fellowship with each other. Earnest at- 
tempts have more than once been made to divide the 
Presbytery, on account of its size and the extent of terri- 
tory it covers, but on account of this fraternal feeling 
it has so far failed. The most earnest advocates of 
division have always been found among those who have 
been but a short time members of the Presbytery. 

To-day the Presbytery as a body is doing as good work 
as at any time in her history, evincing her progressive 
spirit in the organization of new churches, increasing the 
membership of old ones, and in enlarged liberality in the 
educational work of the Church and in the work of 
Home and Foreign Missions. 

The last minutes present the following statistics: 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



19 



Ministers, 28. 
Licentiates, 2. 

Students, 4, Church organizations, ^o. 
Communicants, 4912. 
Contributions, $27,047. 

S. S. Members, 3,389. Contributions, $1,244. 
Women's Societies, members, 785. Contributions, 
$,1,860. 

Young Peoples Societies, members, 923. Contribu- 
tions, $493. 

The following persons have served as stated clerk of 
the Presbytery since 1832 : Rev. James Boyce, D. D., 
H. L. Elliott, Rev. J. C. Pressly, D. D., Rev. J. T. 
Chalmers, D. D., and Rev. G. R. White, and Rev. James 
Boyce, Assistant Clerk. Recording Clerks : Rev. D. G. 
Caldwell, Rev. R. M. Stevenson, Rev. B. H. Grier and 
Rev. J. H. Simpson. 

GEORGIA PRESBYTERY.— On the 12th of Octo- 
ber, 1842, at Due West Corner, the A. R. Synod of the 
South passed an Act authorizing the organization of the 
Georgia Presbytery. In accordance with this Act, John 
S. Pressly, David C. Haslet and Thomas Turner, minis- 
ters of the gospel, and Alexander Cowan and Wm. Little, 
ruling elders, met at Bethel, Burke County, Ga., on Friday, 
31st of March, 1843. After sermon by Rev. Thomas 
Turner from Zach. 4-10, Presbytery was constituted with 
prayer. D. C. Haslet was chosen moderator and T. 
Turner, clerk. 

Rev. J. S. Pressly was installed pastor of Bethel at this 
meeting. A committee was appointed "to make known 
the state of the church and to propose some regulations 
proper to carry into effect the principles, order, and prac- 
tice of the A. R. Church." They reported nine organized 
churches known by the following names and places : 
Bethel, in Burke County, Ebenezer, in Jefferson, statedly 
supplied by one minister ; Smyrna ; a vacancy in Stewart 



20 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



County ; Hopewell, in Newton County ; Providence, in 
Campbell Co. ; Bethesda, in Cobb County ; Prosperity, in 
DeKalb County; Oathcaloga and Pine Log and Sardis, 
in Benton Co., Ala. Besides these organizations, there 
were several Mission stations where churches could have 
been quickly established had there been an adequate 
number of ministers. The fields were white to the har- 
vest, but the laborers were few. All this great field had to 
be worked by three or four men. The history of this 
presbytery is a sad one. It is a story of superhuman ef- 
fort and of inevitable failure. These three ministers for 
many years led a forlorn hope. The Synod gave them all 
the help she could, sending a supply for a year or part of 
a year. The Presbytery in turn supported the enterprises 
of the church, contributing to the College and Seminary, 
Home and Foreign Missions from time to time. Their 
great desire and prayer was for an increase of ministers. 
Their hopes sometimes brightened as now and then a 
young man came into their bounds. The fidelity with 
which the people clung to the faith of their fathers was 
truly pathetic. Some of them had preaching once a 
month ; some once in two months ; some two or three 
times in a year ; some none at all. It is not strange that 
many sought a church home in other denominations. 

The matter of organic union with the G. A. P. Church 
was seriously considered by the Presbytery. Communi- 
cation between the different churches, at all times difficult, 
was rendered impossible by the war between the States. 
During this period and soon after, many of the churches 
in this Presbytery disintegrated and some of her ministers 
sought and found fields of labor in other branches of the 
church. Those who remained decided to unite with the 
2nd Presbytery of the A. R. Synod. The last meeting of 
the Georgia Presbytery was held Friday, March the 26th, 
1869, at White Oak Church, Coweta County, Ga. 

PRESBYTERY OF KENTUCKY.— This Presbytery 
was created by an act of the General Syiod, in dividing 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



21 



the Second Associate Reformed Presbytery of Pennsyl- 
vania. It was formally organized Feb. n, 1801, in Lex- 
ington, Ky., Rev. Adam Rankin preaching the opening 
sermon from Matt. 10:16. The following ministers were 
present : Revs. Adam Rankin, John Steele, and Abraham 
Craig, and elders David Logan, James Parks and Thomas 
Stewart. It embraced the larger portion of five States, 
viz : Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. 

In 181 5 the following names appear on the roll: 
Adam Rankin, Abraham Craig, John Steele, Wm. H. 
Rainey, Alex. Porter, David Risk, Wm. Baldridge, Robt. 
H. Bishop, John McFarland, Samuel Brown and S. 
Crothers. 

In 1 81 6 all the territory north of the Ohio River was 
cut off and formed into new Presbyteries, leaving only 
Rankin, Rainey, Steel, Bishop and McChord in the Ken- 
tucky Presbytery. 

By reason of controversies and difficulties among 
themselves all progress was arrested, though the 
churches north of the Ohio seemed to increase rapidly. 
Bishop and Steel moved north, McChord changed his 
church connection, and Rankin died, leaving only Wm. 
H. Rainey. On Aug. 30, 1820, the Synod of the West 
reorganized the Presbytery with Rainey and Samuel 
Brown and elders James Beaty and Ja^mes Steel. In 
1826 the slavery question began to be agitated more 
earnestly than ever. From this date removals of individ- 
uals and families to the States north of the Ohio River 
so much reduced the number that only two minis- 
ters were left, viz., W. H. Rainey and Hugh Mayne. The 
churches had very little preaching for several years, and 
Hinkston and Flemingsburg joined the Presbytery of 
Chillicothe, O., Synod of the West. The Presbytery 
of Tennessee was organized in 1836 — cutting off terri- 
tory on the South. 

In 1840 the churches made overtures to, and asked 
supplies of preaching from the A. R. Synod of the South, 



22 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



The following year, Oct., 1841, Revs. N. M. and G. 
Gordan were sent to them, and on Friday before the 
3rd Sabbath of Dec., 1842, the Presbytery was formally 
organized at Ebenezer, Jessamine County, in connection 
with the Synod of the South, with which it has remained 
to the present time. The opening sermon was preached 
by G. Gordon from 1st Pet. 2 13, and H. Berry and 
Robert Guyn were present as elders. The following year 
Rev. W. H. Rainey and S. S. Ralston were added to the 
Presbytery. (The former presenting to the Presbytery 
the official records of the original Presbytery since its 
organization in 1801, in a large folio book still in good 
state of preservation.) At that period the following 
names of churches appear on the roll : Ebenezer, Mt. 
Olivet, Shelbyville, Round Top or New Hope in Ken- 
tucky, and Mt. Zion, Buffalo and Concord in Missouri, 
In 1845 Hinkston and Flemingsburg were received from 
the Presbytery of Chillicothe, and in 1854 a church was 
organized in Louisville. Also one at Clarksburg, Ind., 
in 1847. It was from the church at Clarksburg that the 
question of marriage with a deceased wife's sister, viz., 
John Kincaid and Mary E. Kincaid, Sept. 1st, 1849, came 
before the Presbytery and was referred to Synod, and 
caused serious agitation for several years. 

In 1850 when the subject of establishing a Foreign 
Mission in Africa was agitated, a training school to edu- 
cate and train negro men as missionaries was established 
by the Synod under the care of Rev. N. M. Gordon in 
Jessamine County. The effort was continued only a short 
time, and abandoned in 1853. 

The settled pastors of the Presbytery were, N. M. Gor- 
don, at Ebenezer; G. Gordon, at Mt. Olivet; T. S. Lee, 
at Hinkston; S. C. Boyce, at New Hope; and S. S 
Ralston, at Mt. Zion. Quite a number of the ministers 
of Synod at various times did missionary work, some- 
times for a period of several years in the bounds of the 
Presbytery. 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



23 



The proposition for union with the Southern Presby- 
terian Church came before the Presbytery in a paper 
prepared by Rev. N. M. Gordon on the "State of the 
Church," Aug. 23, 1867. The final vote on this question 
was taken May 13th, 1870, at Hinkston, to be carried 
into effect on Oct. 13, 1870. The vote stood eight for, 
and six against it. Of the six congregations composing 
the Presbytery at that time, three voted solidly against 
it and the remaining three were divided. By this action 
the Presbytery lost Revs. N. M. and G. Gordon, T. S. 
Lee and W. M. McElwee. The Presbytery was at once 
reorganized by the remaining ministers, Rev. J. G. Miller 
and J. A. Myers and Elders Wm. A. Anderson and Robt. 
Butler. The churches all retained their property except 
one, viz., Louisville, which was afterwards reorganized 
and obtained possession by the payment of a sum equal 
to one half its value. 

Rev. W. R. Hemphill, D. D., came to this Presbytery in 
November, 1870, and rendered excellent service for three 
years. The longest period or stated supply was that of 
Rev J. G. Miller, from i860 to 1875, at Mt. Zion, Mo. 

The following are the settled pastorates since 1870, 
viz. : Rev. D. B. Pressly at Hinkston and Mt Olivet 
from 1871 to 1886, W. O. Cochran, New Hope and 
Ebenezer, from 1880 to 1884, Rev. W. H. Millen, Ebe- 
nezer and Hinkston from 1892 to 1896, Rev. James 
Boyce, at Louisville from 1882 to 1896, and Rev. S. W. 
Reid at Louisville from 1898 to the present. Mt. Zion, 
Rev. F. Y. Pressly, D. D., from 1882 to 1886, and Rev. 
B. H. Grier from 1889 to ^93 > an d Rev. W. S. Castles 
one year, 1896. 

Since 1870 the Presbytery has made an enviable rec- 
ord in meeting its assessments in full for the various 
purposes of Synod. Mrs. Ann I. Wallace of the New 
Hope congregation donated $15,000 to Erskine College, 
and more than $5,000 to various other purposes of the 
Church. 



24 



A GENERAL SKETCH. 



The Presbytery has been well represented in the 
Foreign Mission fields. Revs. Potter and Love in China, 
the Gambles and Shaws in India, and the Fraziers in 
Egypt trace their ancestry to Hinkston, and Miss Fannie 
Wallace, who was so suddenly cut down in Mexico in 
the service of our own Board, was from New Hope. 

The longest period of service by any minister was 
rendered by Rev. Wm. H. Rainey, who served from 
1803 to 1850. Through all the changes that came he 
was faithful to the end, and was ever true to the cause. 

The Presbytery has at present six congregations with 
an aggregate membership of three hundred and thir- 
teen. 

MEMPHIS PRESBYTERY.— The Memphis Presby- 
tery was organized according to order of Synod at Eben- 
ezer church, Tippah County, Mississippi, April 15^,1853. 
It was composed of churches in west Tennessee and north 
Mississippi that had previously belonged to the Tennes- 
see and Alabama Presbyteries. The name was taken 
from Memphis, Tenn., the chief city of that section. The 
roll of members and congregations at the time of organi- 
zation was as follows : 

Ministers—]. Wilson, J. L. Young, J. P. Weed, H. H. 

Robinson, J. K. Boyce ; absent, J. A. Sloan. 
Elders— A. McQuiston, Major R. McBride. 
Commissioners — O. Buchanan, J. Caldwell, Dr. E. 

Agnew. 

Congregations — Bethany, Ebenezer, Hopewell, Mt. Car- 

mel, Shiloh, in Mississippi. 
Salem, Sardis, Troy, Union (now Beulah), in Tenne- 

see. 

In 1857 by action of Synod the work in Arkansas was 
placed under the inspection of this Presbytery,, and in 
1859 the church in Starkville, Miss., and the work in 
Holmes County, Miss., was transferred from the Ala- 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



25 



bama Presbytery to this, and the names of David Pressly 
and J. A. Dickson were added to the roll of ministers. 

The largest enrollment at any time has been fourteen 
ministers, and that was immediately preceding the form- 
ation of the Arkansas Presbytery, which removed four 
names from the roll. 

The first settlers were chiefly farmers from the Caro- 
linas seeking better and cheaper lands. The country was 
one which the Lord had blessed; the resources were 
varied and abundant, and vegetation grew in rank lux- 
uriance. The advantages and disadvantages, the joys 
and sorrows of frontier life were allotted to these people. 
As the country became settled and somewhat worn the 
westward movement continued, and congregations that 
had been formed in this way, after a season, began to 
suffer from the same and some have altogether disap- 
peared. 

At the first meeting steps were taken to establish a 
Presbyterial school, which was located near Ebenezer 
Church, and was continued several years under the care 
of Mr. J. C. Irwin. 

In April, 1865, on motion of Rev. S. A. Agnew, the 
following resolution was adopted : "That a member of 
the Presbytery be appointed to preach a sermon, or read 
an essay at each regular meeting of the Presbytery on 
some particular passage of Scripture, or subject to be 
assigned by the Presbytery." 

On motion of Rev. J. G. Miller, in May, 1888, the 
Presbytery inaugurated "a course of conferences relat- 
ing to the doctrines of our holy religion, and points of 
practical godliness," to be held at each regular meeting 
in the spring, and to take the place of the special sermon. 
The committee on Nominations select the subject and 
preacher for the Presbyterial sermon, and the pas- 
tor and session with whom the meeting shall be held 
prepare and publish the program for the conference. 
In this way provision is made for a special service at each 



26 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



regular meeting. The work has been well done. In- 
teresting and important subjects have been selected, ex- 
cellent sermons and addresses delivered, and a number 
of these published by request of the Presbytery. This 
arrangement has been quite satisfactory and will likely 
be continued. About thirty-five sermons have been de- 
livered, and fifteen conferences held. 

Since 1893 a convention, composed of delegates from 
the various societies in the churches and the ministers, 
has been held annually. This generally meets in connec- 
tion with and immediately preceding the fall meeting 
of Presbytery, and addresses, essays, readings, and re- 
citations are delivered according to a previously arranged 
program. 

Attention has been devoted to evangelistic work, and 
at intervals of a few years the Presbytery has endeavored 
to have all of its congregations favored with special pro- 
tracted services. 

The claims of the beneficiary work have been recog- 
nized, and a number of young men have been assisted 
financially in prosecuting their studies. Mr. John 
Adams of Tipton County, Tenn., in 1891, bequeathed 
$1,000 to the Presbytery which is "to be safely invested 
and the interest, and only the interest arising therefrom, 
to be expended by the Presbytery in preparing, or aiding 
to prepare, candidates for the ministry under the care 
of the Presbytery." Two years later the Presbytery 
was incorporated under the laws of the State of Tennes- 
see and seven Trustees were elected to manage this fund. 
Two hundred dollars of beneficiary fund in hand were 
added as principal to the above bequest, making a sum 
of $1,200, the interest of which can be used. When the 
Board of Ministerial Relief was formed by the Synod 
it was located within this Presbytery, and Prof. R. E. 
Robison having been a leading advocate of the forma- 
tion of this Board was made President of the same. 

This Presbytery generally observes the practice of ro- 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



27 



tation in distributing honors, privileges and labors 
among its members, and in selecting the place of meeting. 

At the regular meeting in the spring of 1903, the 
semi-centennial anniversary of organization was cele- 
brated. It seems that during these fifty years of its 
existence, semi-annual meetings were held regularly, not 
one omitted, a commendable interest was manifested in 
the enterprises of the Synod, the standard of righteous- 
ness was held up, truth proclaimed, and sin condemned. 

The following persons have been licensed to preach by 
this Presbytery: S. A. Agnew, J. H. Strong, W. S. 
Moffatt, T. Davis, J. A. Dickson, T. P. Pressly, D. W. 
Wiseman, J. W. Baird, J. P. Erwin, Peter Bryson, S. 
J. Patterson, R. S. Harris, J. W. McCain, J. L. Boyd, 
R. W. McDaniel, D. P. Pressly. 

The following, reared in and some of them financially 
aided by this Presbytery, as a matter of convenience, 
were licensed by another. Calvin Pressly, J. B. Muse, 
E. E. Strong, C. M. Boyd. 

The roll of deceased Ministers is as follows : J. L. 
Young, J. L. McDaniel, H. L. Murphy, J. K. Boyce, 
R. L. Grier, H. H. Robison, D. W. Wiseman, D. Pressly, 
D. D., J. H. Strong, J. P. Weed, S. A. Agnew, D. D. 

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SECOND PRES- 
BYTERY. — The order of Synod dividing the Presbytery 
of the Carolinas and Georgia into the First and Second 
Presbyteries of the Carolinas and Georgia was adopted 
October, 1800. The territory allotted the second was the 
counties in South Carolina west of Broad River and the 
State of Georgia. The ministers assigned were Revs. 
David Bothwell, William Dixon, Peter McMullan, and 
Alexander Porter. 

The first meeting was held at Cedar Spring, Abbeville, 
S. C, April 8th, 1801. The ministers above mentioned 
were present, except David Bothwell, who died in June 
of that year. David Bothwell was pastor of Buckhead 



28 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



and Big Creek, and preached at other churches in Jef- 
ferson and Burke Counties, Georgia. Peter McMullan 
was pastor of the church at Due West, Alexander Porter 
of Cedar Spring and Long Cane, S. C, and Mr. Dixon 
of Sharon, S. C, and Kings Mountain, N. C. There 
were other organized churches as the minutes indicate 
and petitions for preaching from numerous places in the 
Carolinas and Georgia. The principle business transacted 
at that ^meeting was a scale of supplies of preaching for 
the vacancies by the pastors and probationers. James 
McGill and James McCauley were present as Probation- 
ers, and Isaac Grier and Robert Irwin as students. There 
is no data remaining by which we can ascertain the num- 
ber of communicants. 

The people were of Scotch-Irish extraction and most 
of them or their immediate ancestors had emigrated 
from Antrim and the adjacent counties of Ireland. Some 
of those persons had suffered civil pains and penalties 
for the conservative system of faith and Scriptural rit- 
ual of worship, which they brought to their adopted 
country. 

The Presbytery ordained and installed James McGill 
pastor of Little River and Rocky Creek, Abbeville, S. C, 
in 1 80 1. The students completed their course of study 
the next year and Robert Irwin was installed pastor of 
Generostee and Diamond Hill in South Carolina, and 
Isaac Grier of Sardis, N. C, and Waxhaw, S. C. In 
1805 Isaac Grier and his churches were transferred to 
the First Presbytery. The growth of the Presbytery 
was very slow for many years. Dr. Lathan in his 
history of the Synod suggests that the reasons for this 
slow growth were the organization of the Associate 
Presbytery; immigration to the Western and North- 
western States, and the lack of institutions for training 
young men for the ministry. To remove the last mem- 
tioned hindrance to growth the Synod in 1825 elected 
Rev. J. Hemphill, of the First, and Rev. J. T. Pressly of 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



29 



the Second Presbytery, to teach theology in connection 
with their work as pastors. In consequence of that 
action the number of ministers and churches was in- 
creased. The pastors and probationers of this and the 
First Presbytery had for many years been doing home 
missionary work in other States, and now a pastorate in 
Alabama and one in Tennessee was established under the 
supervision of this Presbytery. At that time the churches 
in Newberry, S. C, were transferred to the Presbytery 
and the churches in Laurens County began to arrange for 
„a pastor. 

From the blessing of the Lord on this effort to in- 
crease the number of ministers, a classical school was 
established by the Synod at Due West in 1836. The 
following year a teacher of theology was added to that 
school. In 1842 that Institution had grown into Erskine 
College, and Clark and Erskine Theological Seminary. 
The churches in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia were 
organized into Presbyteries, and the number of churches 
increased and supplied with pastors. That was the 
dawn of an era of great prosperity and extended to 
i860. From the beginning the colored people had 
been received as members of the churches to which 
their masters belonged, and extended the enjoyment 
of all the ordinances. Pastors and other officers 
were instructed to look well to these members of 
their household. In many cases they were given 
the rudiments of education in disregard of the statutes 
of the State. 

The war of the Sixties interrupted and in fact paral- 
yzed all of the activities of the Presbytery. One of the 
pastors, H. T. Sloan, D. D., became a Chaplain, and others 
spent considerable periods of time in ministering to their 
metaibers as soldiers in camp • two of the students were 
killed in battle and others diverted from the purpose of 
preparing for the ministery. Meetings of the Presby- 
tery were generally held but little more could be done 



30 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



in those four long years than to maintain the organiza- 
tion of the churches. At the Fall meeting of 1865 a 
Presbytery was sharing the desolation common in this 
section. A large number of the young men of the 
churches were sleeping in soldiers' graves, and the sur- 
vivors sorely disheartened. 

But in less than two years the churches began to re- 
vive. At the Fall meeting in 1867 the Presbytery was 
gratified by receiving under its care four students of 
theology. D. W. Reid, who had been practicing medi- 
cine for fifteen years, and three members of the senior 
class of Erskine in 1861 constituted that class of students. 
In a few more years the College and Seminary of the 
Synod located in the bounds of the Presbytery resumed 
their helpful work. The home mission work was taken 
up with increased vigor, not only so but the new feature 
of planting churches in the towns and cities was suc- 
cessfully inaugurated. Up to that time our people had 
been engaged in farming, and the pastors generally 
owned farms and managed them successfully. The 
Presbytery also co-operated heartily with the other Pres- 
byteries in undertaking work in the foreign fields. From 
that day the Presbytery has contributed her full quota of 
men and women to that important feature of the Synod's 
work. 

Such are some of the facts gleaned from the minutes 
of the Second Presbytery for an hundred years. These 
were selected from many others of equal, or, perhaps, 
greater importance, but the allotted space forbids their 
record in this place. At the late meeting there were 
twenty-four names of ordained ministers on the roll of 
the Presbytery, and two students of theology. The num- 
ber of churches is thirty-two and the number of commu- 
nicants is 2,378, and the numfcr of accessions this year 
is 131. 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



31 



TENNESSEE AND ALABAMA PRESBYTERY.— 
In the year 1836 the Associate Reformed Synod, at Ches- 
ter, S. C, passed the following order : "Moved and sec- 
onded that it is expedient to form a new Presbytery in 
the West, bounded as follows : Commencing on the Miss- 
issippi River at 34 N. Latitude, running east to Georgia 
line, thence north to the middle of the State of Kentucky, 
thence west to the Mississippi River, thence down the 
■river to the beginning ; and that it be called the Presbytery 
of Tennessee." 

This Presbytery met at Salem, Tennessee, April 24th, 
1837, Rev. E. Harris, the senior member, presiding. 

The following roll was made : Ministers, E. Harris, 
R. M. Galloway, H. Bryson. 

Elders : Thomas Galloway, Archibald Kidd. 

At this meeting Rev. John Wilson, a probationer, after 
presenting a trial sermon, was ordained to the full work 
of the ministry. 

These four servants of Christ took up the work not 
only of caring for their home churches, but also of sup- 
plying mission stations in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennes- 
see, and Kentucky. 

In 1839 Rev. R. M. McCoy was transferred from the 
First Presbytery, and supplied the church at Troy, Ten- 
nessee. The same year Rev. S. S. Ralston was ordained 
and installed pastor of Head Springs, Cornersville, and 
Zion, Tenn. 

In October, 1840, one of the original members of the 
Presbytery, the Rev. R. M. Galloway, was removed by 
death. 

At a meeting of the Presbytery at Bethel, Tennessee, 
in 1843, the following resolution was passed : "Resolved, 
That it is desirable and practicable to organize a new 
Synod embracing the Presbyteries of Alabama, Tennes- 
see, and Kentucky, to be called the Southwestern Synod." 

In the same year Rev. S. S. Ralston accepted a call 
to Mt. Zion and Buffalo, Mo. In 1845 Rev - J- K. Boyce 



3 2 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



was ordained and installed pastor of Hopewell and Head 
Springs. In the same year Rev. R. McCoy obtained a 
transfer to the 2nd Synod of the West. In 1847 Rev. J. 
P. Weed was ordained and installed pastor of the church 
at Troy, Tenn. In 1847 Rev. Henry Bryson, who on 
account of ill health had retired from the pastorate, gave 
over to the care of Presbytery the Viney Grove Academy. 
This good man has left his impress as a great teacher as 
well as an able minister of the Gospel. 

In 1848 Rev. A. S. Sloan was ordained and installed 
pastor of Prosperity, Tennessee. 

In the same year Rev. T. W. Parkinson was licensed. 
Presbytery gave Rev. J. K. Boyce permission to demit 
his charge, and gave appointments to J. M. Sharp, H. T. 
Sloan, J. E. Pressly, and T. W. Parkinson to labor in 
the vacancies till next meeting. 

Rev. T. W. Parkinson was ordained and installed pas- 
tor of Bethel, Zion, and Head Springs in 185 1. 

By an act of Synod in 1852 the Presbytery was divided 
forming the Memphis Presbytery and the Tennessee 
Presbytery. 

The roll of the Tennessee Presbytery after this division 
was as follows : 

Ministers : Rev. H. Bryson, Rev. A. S. Sloan, Rev. 
D. McCaw, Rev. T. W. Parkinson. Elders: Robert 
McCalla, Jas. Davis, Robt. Montgomery. 

Rev. A. S. Montgomery was received as a student of 
divinity in 1853, was licensed and ordained in 1854, and 
was installed pastor of Head Springs in 1858. 

Rev. David McCaw obtained a certificate and connected 
with another branch of the Church. 

Rev. John H. Bryson was ordained and installed pas- 
tor of Hopewell in 1854. The same year Rev. J. M. 
Brown was ordained. Rev. T. W. Parkinson died Sept. 
6th, 1857. 

From 1861 till 1865 there were no sessions of the Pres- 
bytery on account of Civil War. 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



33 



Rev. A. S. Montgomery withdrew from the Presby- 
tery and connected with the United Presbyterian Church. 

In 1866 Rev. John H. Bryson was granted a certi- 
ficate to unite with the Presbyterian Church South. 

The Civil War caused a division in Rev. A. S. Sloan's 
charge, one part of which formed a United Presbyterian 
Church. 

Rev. Andrew McElroy came to Head Springs in 1866 
as stated supply. 

In 1866 Rev. J. H. Peoples came to Hopewell, and the 
following year was ordained and installed pastor there. 

J. L. Orr and J. Preston Marion were received as 
students about this time. 

Rev. C. S. Young came to the Presbytery and was or- 
dained and installed pastor of Head Springs in 1873. 

In 1872 Rev. A. S. Sloan demitted his charge and 
formed a new pastorate over Bethel and New Hope. In 
1874 Rev. J. B. Muse was ordained and installed pastor 
of Prosperity and Blanche. 

In 1874 Dr. Henry Bryson, who had been retired for 
several years from active work, died, and a memorial 
sketch of his life was prepared by Rev. A. S. Sloan 
and published. 

In 1 88 1 Rev. J. A. Myers came into The Presbytery. 

On April 21st, 1882, the Tennessee and Alabama Pres- 
byteries were consolidated, enrolling five ministers in 
Tennessee, and two in Alabama. 

In 1883 Revs. J. B. Muse and C. S. Young removed 
from the Presbytery. The following year Rev. J. A. 
Myers, by certificate, removed to the United Presbyterian 
Church. 

Rev. O. Y. Bonner came into the Presbytery, and was 
installed pastor over Prosperity and Blanche in 1889. 
The same year Rev. J. H. Peoples was released from 
Hopewell. In 1890 Rev. H. M. Henry organized a 
church at Camden, Alabama. 

Rev. O. Y. Bonner removed from the Presbytery in 
3 



34 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



1 89 1, and Rev. W. B. Logan was received and was in- 
stalled pastor of Hopewell and Head Springs in 1893. 

In 1893 Rev. W. S. Castles came into the Presbytery, 
and was installed pastor of Bethel and New Hope. In 
the same year Rev. A. S. Sloan died, being the oldest 
member of the Presbytery, after having faithfully and 
fruitfully served in the same field for nearly a half 
century. 

In 1894 Rev. W. S. Castles demitted his charge. 

In 1895 Rev. I. N. Kennedy came into the Presbytery 
and was ordained and installed pastor of Elk Valley 
(New Hope and Bethel consolidated.) 

At the same time Rev. A. J. Ranson became a mem- 
ber of the Presbytery, and was ordained and installed 
pastor of Prosperity and Blanche. The same year Rev. 
J. M. White was installed pastor of Hopewell and Head 
Springs. 

In 1898 Presbytery was called upon to lament the loss 
by death of one of her noblest members, the Rev. J. A. 
Lowry. 

In 1899 Rev. J. M. White demitted his charge. The 
same year Rev. W. A. Blakely was installed pastor 
of Prosperity and Orrville, Alabama. 

Messrs. A. T. and E. P. Lindsay were received as 
students of divinity in 1900. 

In 1901 Rev. R. L. Robinson was installed pastor of 
Camden. 

In 1901 Rev. A. J. Ranson demitted his charge, and 
in 1902 Rev. J. B. Hood was installed pastor of Prosper- 
ity and Blanche. 

The Presbytery, at this date, consists of five pastorates 
and three vacancies, with the following roll : 

Ministers : 



Rev. H. M. Henry, D. D. Rev. W. A. Blakely 
" J. H. Peoples " J. B. Hood 

" L N. Kennedy " R. L. Robinson 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



35 



THE TEXAS PRESBYTERY.— Rev. A. J. Ranson. 
— The beginnings of our work in Texas may be read in 
the history of some families which came to this State as 
early as 1853. Our pioneer missionary was the Rev. T. J. 
Bonner, who came in the winter of 1859. He preached 
as opportunity allowed for more than fifteen years. "At 
the meeting of the A. R. Synod of the South, held at 
Hopewell, S. C, Sept. 26, 1876, an order was passed 
allowing Revs. T. J. Bonner, W. L. Patterson, and 
J. M. Little to organize a Presbytery, to be known as the 
Texas Presbytery, and directing Rev. T. J. Bonner to 
lead in the organization.'' In accordance with this order, 
the brethren met at Harmony Church, in Freestone Co., 
Texas, on the 9th day of Dec, 1876; and after a sermon 
by Rev. T. J. Bonner, from 2 Cor. 10 14 and 5, organized 
what was then called, and has since been known as the 
Texas Presbytery. The Rev. Wm. L. Patterson was the 
first clerk and the Rev. T. J. Bonner the first moderator. 
At the time of the organization of the Presbytery, there 
were three organized Associate Reformed Churches in 
the State, as follows : Richland, Navarro Co., Sept. 23, 
1876; Harmony, Freestone Co., Oct. 14th, 1876; and the 
Hardin Co. Church, which was organized in July, 1875. 

Those were the days of small things in our Texas 
work, and indeed we may still be in the day of small 
things, but this Texas Presbytery has many things for 
which to be thankful to a kind and merciful God. It 
required brave and true men to begin this work and sus- 
tain it under the blessing of God in the trying years of 
the past. The work is not yet self-sustaining, but 
every part of the Synod's great work has a share of this 
liberality of the western section of the Church. 

The following servants of God have given more or less 
of their time to missionary work in the bounds of the 
Presbytery, in the more than 25 years of its life. Rev. 
T. J. Bonner, J. M. Little, Wm. L. Patterson, 
H. R. McCauley, R. E. Patterson, W. H. Millen, H. 



36 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



Rabb, E. E. Patterson, David Pressly, E. P. Stewart, 
E. B. Anderson, J. A. Myers, J. L. Pressly, Calvin 
Pressly, W. W. Orr, L. I. Echols, J. H. Simpson, 
T. W. Hayes, J. R. McCormick, A. J. Ranson, and J. 
R. Millen. Others made short missionary tours in the 
bounds of the Presbytery from year to year. 

At the present writing — May 21, 1903 — the Presbytery 
is composed of the following Churches and pastors : 

Hermon, Greer Co., Oklahoma, Rev. J. R. Millen ; 
Chicola, Lamar Co., Rev. T. W. Hayes ; Corsicana, Na- 
varro Co., Rev. A. J. Ranson; Richland and Harmony, 
Rev. J. R. McCormick; Marlow, Milan Co 

Revs. W. L. Patterson, E. P. Stewart and Calvin 
Pressly, having given years of valuable services to our 
Western work, and being honored, still live in the 
bounds of the Presbytery. 

Interesting facts are omitted, but the above will re- 
mind the Church that the Texas Presbytery lives, and 
.moves, and has its being by the blessing of God. We 
thank God for the past and confidently face this future. 
May His blessing abide with us. 

THE TAMPICO PRESBYTERY.— Republic of 
Mexico. — The territory embraced in what is known as 
The Tampico Presbytery is in the Republic of Mexico, 
on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and comprises a 
portion of the southern part of the State of Tamaulipas, 
of the northern part of the State of Vera Cruz, and of the 
eastern part of the State of San Luis Potosi. 

During the Synodical year of 1885, Neill E. Pressly, 
the missionary, was instructed by the Board to organize 
a Presbytery; but on account of the territory covered 
and the difficulties of travel, the organization was not 
effected. At the meeting of Synod in 1886 at Bethany, 
Lee Co., Miss., of which Rev. D. B. Pressly was Mod- 
erator and Rev. R. Lathan, Clerk, the following minute 
was adopted : "On motion of Rev. H. T. Sloan, D. D., 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



37 



Rev. Neill E. Pressly is directed to organize a Presby- 
tery in Mexico to be known as the Presbytery of Tampi- 
co." In the year 1887 the missionary translated and 
published in Spanish an edition of "The Book of Church 
Government, Discipline and Directory for Worship," and 
reported to the Synod through the Board that he hopes 
to organize before the end of the year the Presbytery 
of Tampico, as ordered by Synod. 

At the meeting of Synod that year, "Dr. Ross moved 
that the order to organize a Presbytery in Mexico be 
continued." On the 29th of June, 1888, the missionary 
Neill E. Pressly, Rev. Pedro Trujillo, Elder Pablo 
Morato and the licentiates, Zenong Zaleta, Ines Her- 
nandez and N. Arrebalo assembled in the hired chapel 
at Tampico for the purpose of organizing a Presbytery. 
Neill E. Pressly stated the object of the meeting and 
preached a sermon founded on Acts 18:9-11, and by 
him The Presbytery of Tampico was constituted with 
prayer. Rev. Pedro Trujillo was asked to act as clerk 
and a roll of the above mentioned persons was prepared 
and called. Rev. J. S. A. Hunter of the Arkansas Pres- 
bytery, U. S. A., having been commissioned to the Mex- 
ican field, as a missionary, was received as a member, 
and his name enrolled. 

At the first meeting, Sr. Ines Hernandez was ordained. 
The second meeting of the Presbytery of Tampico was 
held at Tampico and was presided over by Rev. Pedro 
Trujillo, and Neill E. Pressly elected clerk, which posi- 
tion he has filled ever since. 

The Presbytery meets only once a year in the first part 
of the year, and is now composed of four missionaries, 
six native ordained ministers and one native licentiate, 
viz., Neill E. Pressly, Pedro Trujillo, J. S. A. Hunter, 
Ines Hernandez, J. R. Edwards, Francisco Mellado 
Meza, G. Cruz, J. G. Dale, S. S. Torres, C. Cruz and 
licentiate Pablo Morato. The Presbytery has in its ter- 
ritory seven church buildings and chapels, and school 



3§ 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



property valued at about $33,600.00. The collections the 
past year for various purposes amounted to $1,078.88. 
There are twenty odd points of preaching, and four day 
schools, in which are employed ten teachers. The Pres- 
bytery now has a Home Mission Board, composed of 
Revs. F. Mellado Meza, J. G. Dale and Neill E. Pressly, 
the latter being Secretary and Treasurer. Rev. S. S. 
Torres is the missionary supported by the Presbytery 
and is located at Tantoyuca. Peace, harmony and a 
Christian spirit characterize the meetings of Presbytery, 
and hard work the duty of each Presbyter. 

THE VIRGINIA PRESBYTERY.— The Presbytery 
of Virginia is composed of the following churches : Old 
Providence, Augusta Co., Timber Ridge, Ebenezer and 
Broad Creek, Rockbridge Co., Va., and New Lebanon, 
Monroe Co., W. Va. Ebenezer congregation for many 
years worshipped regularly also in Bethel Church, and 
was therefore called often Ebenezer and Bethel. Services 
are now very seldom held in the latter church. These 
five churches were in connection with the Presbytery of 
Pennsylvania from 1782 till Oct. 22, 1802, when they 
were connected with Big Spring Presbytery. This re- 
lation being dissolved at the forced union in 1822, the 
residue of the Associate Reformed congregations joined 
the Associate Church. The Associate Churches main- 
tained their connection with the Associate Presbytery of 
Pennsylvania, and were, May 1, 1800, transferred to 
Chartiers Presbytery. In Aug., 1803, however, they were 
a part of the Presbytery of the Carolinas, and here they 
remained till April 16, 1844, when they became a part of 
the First Presbytery. 

The Virginia Presbytery was organized at Ebenezer, 
May 8, 1854, the following members being present: 

Rev. Horatio Thompson, D. D., Rev. I. G. McLaughlin, 
Rev. W. M. McElwee. 

Student, A. B. Beamer. 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



39 



Elders, Hugh Brownlee, Michael Beamer, John 
McKerny. 

Dr. Thompson preached the opening sermon from 
John 4 : 38, "Other men labored and ye are entered into 
their labors." 

The following persons have served the Presbytery as 
stated Clerks for longer or shorter periods of time : 

Calvin Harper, James H. Callison, James G. Dixon, 
James S. Callison, William B. Douglass, and Charles 

D. McCormick, who is at present clerk. Owing to the 
fact that "Book A" containing the minutes of this! Pres- 
bytery is lost, the dates of the election and resignation 
of all these servants of the Church are !not obtainable. 
When Calvin Harper was elected to, and when he re- 
signed the office, is unknown. Nor is it known when 
James H. Callison was elected clerk, but the last work 
he did in this capacity was done at Timber Ridge, Sept. 
14 and 15, 1888. He died March 10, 1898, just a month 
before the Spring Meeting of the Presbytery. On Sa- 
turday, April 10, 1798, James G. Dixon was elected 
clerk at Broad Creek, and resigned Oct. 13, 1822. James 
S. Callison was elected to this office April 15, 1893, at 
New Lebanon, and resigned Oct. 3, 1896. William B. 
Douglass was elected at Broad Creek Oct. 14, 1898, and 
resigned April 19th, 1902. Charles D. McCormick was 
elected at Broad Creek April 19, 1902, and still fills the 
place. 

The following ministers have been in connection with 
the Presbytery as pastors : Horatio Thompson, D. D., 
W. M. McElwee, D. D., I. G. McLaughlin, J. H. Simp- 
son, S. W. Haddon, R. M. Stevenson, J. H. Moffatt, 

E. F. Griffith and D. P. Neill. The following brethren 
have labored in its bounds as supplies, some of whom 
were members of the Presbytery and some not : J. R. 
McCormick, W. A. M. Plaxco, W. A. Wilson, W. M. 
Hunter, E. B. Anderson, H. R. McAulay, E. E. Pressly, 



40 



A GENERAL SKETCH 



J. P. Knox, T. W. Sloan, O. Y. Bonner, W. S. Castles, 
J. W. McCain and W. E. Anderson. 

The following persons, born and reared in this Pres- 
bytery, have studied theology and been licensed to preach 
the Gospel : A. B. Beamer of New Lebanon, J. A. 
Thompson of Timber Ridge, Lewis Hickman of Ebene- 
zer, J. R. McCormick and C. D. McCormick of Old 
Providence. 

Solomon says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good 
thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord." The following 
ministers have obtained this favor in the churches of 
this Presbytery : Horatio Thompson, D. D., W. M. 
McElwee, D. D., Monroe Oates, J. L. Hemphill, E. F. 
Griffith, J. C. Galloway, D. D., J. M. Todd, D. D., J. R. 
McCormick, J. B. Hood, J. M. Garrison, R. C. Davidson, 
and D. P. Neill. 

Our limited space forbids us to speak of the encour- 
agements and the discouragements of the work of the 
Lord in the Presbytery. The interest in and the con- 
tributions to Home and Foreign Missions have been 
good. The women, the young people and even the chil- 
dren have contributed to it. May the Lord prosper his 
work more and more. 



PART II. 

SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Adair, William. — Was born in Co. Antrim, Ireland; 
educated and licensed in Scotland by the Presbyte- 
rian Church, and preached in his native land with encour- 
aging prospects and acceptance. The United Irishmen 
raised the standard of independence about 1798. Con- 
fined to Countys Down and Antrim, it was soon sup- 
pressed. The subject of this sketch becoming unex- 
pectedly involved in this struggle, betook himself to their 
ranks for safety. He was very much exposed and made 
his escape by means of a swift horse. A price was set 
on his head. He concealed himself in a vessel bound 
for America, though there were cards on board, offer- 
ing a reward for him. 

This exiled Irishman and licentiate was received by 
the A. R. P. Presbytery of Big Spring Nov. 15th, 1804. 
After laboring a few years in Pennsylvania and Virgina, 
he was ordained by said Presbytery April 7, 1807, and at 
that time received a call which was accepted, to Old 
Providence, Augusta Co., Va., and The Sinks, Monroe 
Co., near West Va. Released from Old Providence 
because of 100 miles, six large rivers and three high 
mountains over one of which there was no regular 
road intervening between his churches, he gave the re- 
maining half time to Sinking Creek and Antonies Creek, 
Greenbrier Co., W. Va. Mr. Adair continued to supply 
these churches till Nov. 22, 1813. The Sinks Church, 
New Lebanon, petitioned Presbytery to be released from 
their relation to him. By his own request the Big 



42 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Spring Presbytery, May 25th, 18 14, permitted him to 
cease from discharging the functions of the Gospel min- 
istry. The impression lingers in Monroe that he was 
silenced for error or immoral conduct. Had this been 
true the records of our early fathers in dealing with 
others show they would have prosecuted to the bitter 
end. Ceasing to be edifying largely through intem- 
perate hate of the British and intruding it into pulpit and 
church yard a change was thought necessary for the 
good of the congregation. 

He married Miss Ellen Davis of Greenbrier Co., W. 
Va., and they lived near Pickaway and were regular 
worshippers at New Lebanon. 

His ministerial life far from being in vain might have 
been more useful and edifying had he given himself 
wholly to it. Surrounded here by grand opportunities 
nothing but the gravest reasons could justify turning 
away from the ministry. 

Mrs. Ellen Adair died Dec. 8th, 1848, in the 89th year 
of her age. Three days later, Dec. nth, Rev. William 
Adair died in his 90th year. They were burried in the 
same grave and a common marble slab marks the place. 
"They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in their 

death they were not di- 
vided." 

Agnew, Samuel An- 
drew, D. D. — Was the son 
of Enoch Agnew, M. D., 
and Letitia Simpson Todd, 
and was born November 
22, 1833, in Abbeville Co., 
S. C, near Due West. He 
attended school in Due 
West from a child. Later 
he entered Erskine College 
and graduated in his 19th 

S. A. AGNEW, D. D. y ear> AugUSt II, 1852. 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



43 



He united with the Due West church when quite 
young. In 1852 he removed with his father's family 
into the bounds of Bethany, Miss., congregation and 
there spent the remainder of his life. He was received 
as a student of theology by the Memphis Presbytery in 
1853, and took his course in theology at Due West, S. C. 
He also studied under the direction of Rev. J. L. Young, 
Sr. pastor of Bethany. He was licensed by the Mem- 
phis Presbytery at Troy, Tenn., April 26, 1856, and by 
this Presbytery he was ordained April 23, 1859. He 
spent one year as a missionary in Madison Co., Miss., 
and for awhile taught in Guntown, Miss. In 1858, he 
began to supply Hopewell, Union Co., Miss., which con- 
tinued until 1870, when, the congregation having ex- 
tended a call, he was installed as pastor July 23, 1870. 
Previous to this time he was installed as pastor over 
Bethany, Lee Co., Miss., July 31, 1868. This pastorate 
continued until his death, July 15, 1902. The Hope- 
well branch of his pastoral charge was demitted April 
21, 1899, Dr. Agnew assigning as the reason that "he 
had reached a period of life when it would not be pru- 
dent for him to continue the work longer." Thus for 
44 years, 32 of which he was pastor, he broke the Bread 
of Life to the people of Hopewell, and for about 35 
years he ministered to Bethany. It is not strange that 
one sees the fruit of this long ministry in the lives 
of those who compare the membership of these congrega- 
tions. For a number of years he preached regularly at 
Guntown, for the benefit of some of the aged of his con- 
gregation who could not attend Bethany. Also he 
preached 5th Sabbaths at a school house 5 miles west of 
his home. 

Mr. Agnew received the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Divinity from his Alma Mater. 

Dr. Agnew was a careful, methodical sermonizer, and 
made much use of his MSS. His mind was well trained 
by wide and varied reading and research. His library 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



was perhaps one of the largest private libraries in the 
Synod. His sermons were plain, practical, thoughtful 
and helpful. Though not possessed of a good delivery, 
his preaching was earnest, impressive, edifying and 
comforting-- 

In his latter days he manifested quite a fondness for 
family history, and gathered a select -library on this sub- 
ject. As a historian he was accurate and faithful, and 
perhaps his account of the "Battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads or Tishomingo Creek," is the best available. For 
30 odd years he kept a diary of current events. 

Dr. Agnew was a man of sterling integrity of charac- 
ter, of positive convictions and absolute loyalty to truth 
and right. He was respected by friend and foe, a man 
mighty in the Scriptures. 

Death found him "in the harness." Saturday night 
was spent at Kinsman's on his way to preach at Gun- 
town the following day, but he was taken seriously sick 
during the night and on the following Tuesday afternoon 
his spirit was released from its tenement of clay. He 
died July 15, 1902. , 

Dr. Agnew was first married to Nannie E. McKell, 
of Oktibbehah Co., Miss., and a daughter of David and 
E. J. McKell. Two children were born to them, both 
of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Agnew died July 24, 
1868. 

He was married the second tijme to Rachel Janie 
Peoples, Jan. 21, 1875. She is a daughter of John Brown 
and Rebecca M. Peoples. Nine children were born 
to them, two of whom died in early childhood. Of 
the remaining four are sons and three are daughters. 

Anderson, Abraham, D. D. — Abraham and Elizabeth 
(Chestnut) Anderson rejoiced Dec. 7, 1798, at the birth 
of a child. His martial spirit led him to follow Gen. 
Harrison's career in the war of 1812. Leaving the mus- 
ket, he took up the college cap and gown and graduated 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



45 



at Jefferson, 1817. Spending one year with Dr. John 
Anderson, he served the next three years as Prof, of 
Languages in his alma mater, where he finished his di- 
vinity, as also a course of medicine. Chartiers Presby- 
tery granted him license Aug. 29th, 1821. He declined a 
call to New Lebanon, West Va., in 1822. The Presby- 
tery of the Carolinas ordained and installed him over 
Steele Creek and Bethany (Back Creek), Mecklenburg 
Co., N. C, Oct. 3rd, 1822. For about ten years he served 
most ably and acceptably this charge and then became 
pastor of West Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., 1833- 
1847, an d then Prof, of Didactic and Polemic Theology 
in the seminary of his denomination, Canonsburg, Pa., 
till his death May 9th, 1855. He laid many and varied 
gifts on the altar of the Master. 

.gfc Anderson , Elbert Bry- 

T~ son. — Was born of Scotch- 

to'^fc 4 IP Irish g ° dly P arents > Feb - 

,/;/"" 12th, 1863, in Laurens Co., 

S. C. His father was an 
industrious, judicious man 
Jm jHlHHM and a ruling elder. His 

Ip ' 4* iV/V. J Ji^"m mother was a Bryson, re- 
lated to the family of that 
WI^^ BK^B^^^^^Bb name which Dr. Henry 
^KBBKkBBBBKw Bryson so honored. Farly 

in childhood he became in- 
terested in books and 
**** school, carrying a New 

Testament in his pocket 
and reading it through several times in a year. At 16 
he began the struggle alone for an education. By alter- 
nately teaching and going to school, his preparation for 
College was made at Reidsville High School, Spartan- 
burg, S. C, and the Freshman class at Erskine College 
was entered Oct., 1885. A full four years' A. B. course 



46 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



was taken and he graduated with honor in a class of 13 
in 1889. 

Giving his heart to Christ in his mother's Church "at 
twelve, 30 miles away," with an early desire to preach the 
glorious Gospel, it is no wonder that two years of the 
three then required in the seminary were taken during his 
literary course. His divinity course being completed in 
June, 1890, his licensure having been previously given 
him by the Second Presbytery Sept. 14th, 1889. Labor- 
ing for some time in the Memphis and Texas Presby- 
teries he was by the latter ordained Nov. 30, 1890. In 
Nov. 1 89 1 he began stated labor at Amity and Elk 
Shoals, Iredell and Alexander Cos., N. C, respectively, 
and was installed pastor of the latter Nov. 17, 1892, and 
of the former next day. His first year here was devoted 
in part to the Hiddenite Mission. This charge was re- 
turned to Presbytery April 5, 1898. 

After resting a few months in the home of his /mother 
the Board of Home Missions sent him to Broad Creek, 
Va., in Sept., 1898. There he remained as Stated Sup- 
ply till Nov. 1, 1902. 

As a student he was painstaking, a great reader, being 
careful to keep himself posted. , 

As a pastor he was reasonably blessed in the fields 
where he labored — more so than many with twice the 
physical strength. The ease and tact with which he 
could approach a wayward, worldly sinner might well be 
coveted. 

As a presbyter he was watchful, ready in debate, well 
versed in parliamentary law and the judicial acts of his 
Church. His genial manner, his general information 
made him an agreeable companion. Facing difficulties 
and discouragements frojn the very beginning of his ed- 
ucation, and the prosecution of his ministry not being 
without its trials the master has been pleased to give him 
tests to his call and souls for his hire. If reward is 
measured by trials overcome then great will be his. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



47 



William Edgar Ander- 
son. — Is a son of Elbert 
Dickson Anderson and 
Sarah Ann Bryson, and 
was born near Reidsville, 
S. C, June 14, 1872. He 
was educated at Erskine 
College and Erskine Theo- 
logical Seminary, gradu- 
ing from the former June, 
1899, and from the latter 
June, 1902. Was received 
as a student of theology 
by 2nd Presbytery at Iva, 
S. C, April, 1901, and li- 
censed by the same Presbytery at Wrens, Ga., April, 
1902. He is now laboring at Broad Creek church in 
Virginia. He joined the church at Woodruff, S. C, 
Oct. 18, 1891. 




W. E. ANDERSON. 



Baird, James Warden. — 
Son of Cornelius Baird and 
Elizabeth McDaniel (Boyd) 
McQuiston, was born in 
Tipton Co., Tenn., Sep- 
tember 3, 1867. His father 
was a native of County 
Antrim, Ireland, and came 
to America at an early age 
with his father's family, 
and settled near Corn- 
well's Turnout, in Chester 
Co., S. C, in the bounds 
of Hopewell A. R. church, 
and thence removed to 
Tipton Co., Tenn, where he died. His mother was of 
Scotch-Irish descent, born in Chester Co., S. C. She 




j. w. BAIRD. 



4 8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



was married to Hugh M. McQuiston, of Tipton Co., 
Term., who died, leaving four sons, three of whom sur- 
vive. She was afterwards married to Cornelius Baird, 
James W. being the only child of this union. 

James was given such educational advantages as the 
country schools afforded, and entered the sophomore 
class in Erskine College in 1885, graduating from that 
institute in June of 1888. He joined Salem A. R. 
Church about his sixteenth year, transferring his mem- 
bership to Due West, S. C, when he entered college. He 
entered Erskine Theological Seminary in October, 1888, 
but on account of his father's death in March of 1889, 
was called home and during the spring and summer pros- 
ecuted his studies, by order of Presbytery, under Rev. 
J. H. Strong, returning to the Seminary in the fall. On 
May 3, 1889, he was received as a student of theology by 
the Memphis Presbytery, at Rives, Tenn., and was li- 
censed by the same Presbytery at a called meeting at 
Salem, Tenn., July 6, 1890. He labored chiefly in the 
Memphis Presbytery during the next two years — at Re- 
hoboth, Shiloh, Mt. Carmel, Beulah and Rives, spending 
a few weeks each at Starkville, Miss., and Prosperity and 
Blanche, Lincoln Co., Tenn. In the fall of 1892, he was 
called to the pastorate of Ebenezer, Tippah Co., Miss., 
and was ordained and installed there by a called meeting 
of Presbytery, Dec. 3, 1892. In 1902 the Synod ap- 
pointed him to the work of establishing a church in 
Covington, Tenn. He gave up the pastorate of Ebene- 
zer where he had labored faithfully and acceptably for a 
period of 10 years, and entered upon the work in Coving- 
ton, Jan. 1, 1903. He was Moderator of the Synod of 
1902, which met at Pisgah, Gaston Co., N. C., and was 
appointed by Synod a member of Committee on Me- 
morial Volume, in place of Rev. S. A. Agnew, D. D., 
deceased. He was for 10 years Stated Clerk of the Mem- 
phis Presbytery. 

Mr. Baird was married, June 4, 1891, at Due West, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



49 



S. C, to Miss Anna Maria Brice, daughter of the Rev. 
R. W. Brice and Anna M. Steele. She was born in the 
bounds of Hopewell, in Chester Co., S. C, January 31, 
1864. Of the six children born to them, three daugh- 
ters and two sons survive. 

Baldridge, William. — Son of Alexander and Jenny 
(Ramsey) Baldridge, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., 
Feb. 26th, 1 76 1. In 1764 his father moved to Lincoln 
Co., N. C, within the bounds of Gilead church, A. R. 
So patriotic, when the Revolutionary war broke out, his 
youth preventing his enlisting, he served first as a team- 
ster and then to the end of the war in a cavalry company. 

Preparing for college under Rev. Robert Findley he 
graduated with honors at Dickinson, 1790. His divinity 
course was pursued under Rev. Alexander Dobbin of 
Gettysburg, Pa. A part of his course being taken under 
Dr. Nesbit, President of Dickinson, license was granted 
him by the A. R. Presbytery of Pennsylvania May 27, 
1792. This same court admitted him to the pastoral 
charge of the united congregations of James River and 
Battetant in Virginia. The Associate Reformed Synod 
met May 29th, 1797, in Philadelphia, Pa., and he was 
honored with the moderatorship. He served these 
churches as pastor for ten years. 

Many of his families having gone to Ohio this charge 
was demitted Oct. 19th, 1803, but he remained stated 
supply of Forks of the James in connection with Timber 
Ridge till June, 1809, when with a caravan of his people 
he removed to Ohio and became pastor of Cherry Fork 
and West Fork, Adams Co. He was twice offered the 
Presidency of Washington College, Lexington, Va., now 
W. & L. University, possibly between Sept. 1796 and Oct. 
1799. This high honor was declined because the scarcity 
of ministers would not warrant his withdrawal from ac- 
tive pastoral work. His death occurred of "dropsy of 
the chest," Oct. 26th, 1830, 



4 



50 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



He was twice married. Miss Rebecca Agnew born 
Oct. 13th, 1 77 1, near Gettysburg, Pa., became his first 
wife July 17, 1792. Her death occurred Oct. 26th, 1817 
at the birth of her thirteenth child. Mrs. Mary (Logan) 
Anderson, born in Pennsylvania, May 22, 1782, became 
his second wife. Her death occurred at Spring Hill, 
Ind., Sept. 15, 1870. 

As to personal appearance, a man of commanding 
physique, in height over six feet and one inch and a 
frame well rounded and imposing. As to manners and 
study, sedate without austerity, a close and regular stu- 
dent he was methodical and impressive in matter and 
manner, well acquainted with the human side of life and 
the divine workings of the spirit in the regeneration of 
the soul. Painstaking and faithful also in pastoral visi- 
tation he was successful and beloved. 

Banks, Joseph. — Son of Dr. John Banks, was born 
in Florida, N. Y., July 27, 1806; was graduated at Uni- 
versity of Pa. at the early age of 17. His course of 
divinity was under his father in Philadelphia and the 
Presbytery of Pennsylvania granted him licensure Oct. 
1, 1828. This youthful recruit succeeded the old vet- 
eran, Rev. Wm. Dixon. A call was made by the wide 
parish in four Counties and two States March 20, 1830, 
viz. : Nob Creek, Cleveland Co., and Pisgah, Gaston Co., 
N. C. ; Bethany, York Co., and Sardis, Union Co., S. C. 
That he might be more useful and awaiting his decision 
to enter into the pastoral relation, his early ordination was 
delayed by sickness till Oct. 15th, 1831. He retired from 
the field in the early fall of 1833, served as pastor in 
Ohio, and as Chaplain of the Western Penitentiary of 
Pa., was his church's pioneer missionary to Trinidad for 
eight years, beginning in 1843. Died at Mercer, Pa., 
April 8th, 1859, of consumption. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



51 



Beamer, Augustus Balentine. — Born Aug. 26th, 1826. 
in Monroe Co., West Va. ; prepared for college by Rev. 
I. G. McLaughlin; was graduated at Jefferson, 1852; 
spent a session each at Allegheny Seminary, Pa., and 
Erskine, S. C, and the Virginia Presbytery licensed 
him Aug. 25th, 1855. He preached for some three years 
in the Virginia Presbytery till disqualified by sore throat 
trouble. He spent many years as a successful teacher. 
In 1874, Sept. he was happily married to Miss Ro- 
manza Miller. She is an industrious, amiable and godly 
woman, and cares for him in his age and helplessness. 
He retains connection with and has deep interest in the 
church of his childhood, though thirteen miles away, at 
Zenith, West Va. 

His death occurred Jan. 30, 1903. 



Bell, Robert Lee. — Was 
born near Due West, S. C, 
on July 6th, 1870. His 
parent were Mr. Francis 
Marion and Mrs. Jane 
(Hawkins) Bell. He was 
educated in Due West, 
graduating from Erskine 
College, June, 1889. 

He then taught school 
two years in Montgomery, 
Ala., being elected the 
Principal of the Capital 
City Male and Female In- 
stitute, after which he en- 
tered Erskine Theological Seminary, completing the 
course in June, 1893 ; was licensed at Spring meeting of 
the 2nd Presbytery at King's Creek, Newberry County, 
S. C, on April 12th, 1893. 

He left the Seminary and under direction of the Pres- 
bytery entered upon work at Hopewell, Newton County, 




R. L. BELL. 



52 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Ga. He was later on called and ordained, and installed 
the pastor of Hopewell, Dec. 8th, 1893. 

He organized and built a church at Fairview, Henry 
Co., in 1894, and remained the pastor of these churches 
for seven years. 

He resigned this pastorate and accepted a call to the 
Presbyterian Church at McDonough, Ga., being installed 
by the Atlanta Presbytery Nov. 19, 1901, and has contin- 
ued to serve this church up to the present writing. 

He married Oct. 12, 1898, Miss Effie Louise Dawson, 
the daughter of Mr. James B. and Mrs Eliza (Alex- 
ander) Dawson, of Louisville, Ga., and two children 
have blessed this union. 

He has been in great demand as an evangelist, preach- 
ing the Gospel in its purity as once delivered to the 
saints. 



Betts, Charles Bozven, 
D. D.— Rev. C. B. Betts, 
D. D., was born at Char- 
lotte, Dickson Co, Tenn., 
Nov. 1 2th, 1828, and is the 
son of William Betts and 
Eliza Bowen. He was 
prepared for College at 
Viny Grove Academy, in 
Tenn., and graduated at 
Jefferson College, Penn., 
in 1851. In Oct., 1851, 
he was received as a stu- 
dent of theology by the 
Second Presbytery at Due 
West, S. C, and received his theological training in Er- 
skine Seminary, being licensed by the Second Presbytery 
in Oct., 1853. I n May, 1855, he was ordained at Winns- 
boro, S. C, and installed pastor over Winnsboro and the 
Brick Church in Fairfield Co., S. C. Here he remained 




C. B. BETTS. D. D. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



53 



until Nov., 1869, when he was sent to the Mission at 
Nashville, Tenn., by the Synod. He resigned his charge 
of Winnsboro and Brick Church, but remained at Nash- 
ville only one year, accepting a call in Dec, 1870, from 
the united charge of Union, Chester Co., S. C, and 
Neely's Creek, York Co., S. C. In 1889, ne §" ave U P tne 
Neely's Creek branch of his charge, and has remained 
pastor of Union continuously ever since. 

Mr. Betts has been twice married. First to Miss 
Atmarinth H. Sharpe, daughter of Clement Sharpe and 
Esther Hawthorn, of Due West, S. C, who bore him six 
children, dying in Nov., 1870. The second marriage 
was to Miss Flora M. Burns, of Chester Co., S. C, who 
was born Dec. 19th, 1846, and who is still living and 
the mother of six children. During the war between the 
States, Mr. Betts was chaplain of the 6th Reg. S. C. V., 
until its reorganization at Summerville, S. C, and after 
that he was Chaplain of the 12th S. C. V. and went with 
them to Virginia. While serving as chaplain of the 6th 
Reg. S. C. V., Mr. Betts had a thrilling experience that 
nearly cost him his life. With three companions, Wm. 
Creight of Winnsboro, S. C, and Hassie and Russell of 
Charleston, he visited a part of the regiment stationed 
at the mouth of the Stono River, near Charleston, S. C. 
At 6 P. M. they started to return to their quarters and 
very shortly afterwards their boat capsized, and for 
three hours they clung to the upturned boat in the water. 
They were at last rescued by some negroes in a boat. 
Mr. Betts was unconscious when rescued and remained 
so until 12 o'clock. He has always looked upon it as a 
special interposition of providence, and is grateful that 
God spared him to a long life of usefulness and service. 
Mr. Betts received his degree of Doctor of Divinity from 
Erskine College a few years ago. 

He has been elected moderator of the Synod, and will 
have the honor of presiding over its Centennial Session 
at Winnsboro, S. C, in Nov., 1903. He died Dec, 1903. 



54 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



.Bigham, John Mills. — 
Rev. John Mills Bigham 
is the son of James White 
Bigham and Mary Isa- 
bella Mills, and was born 
at Wellridge, Chester Co., 
S. C, May 17th, 1875. He 
received his primary edu- 
cation under his mother in 
the home until he was 
fourteen years old, then 
attended the public schools 
until he entered Erskine 
College in 1893, graduat- 
ing in 1896. He joined 
the church at Hopewell, S. C, 1897, was received as a 
student of Theology by the First Presbytery, at Hickory 
Grove, S. C, in the fall of 1897, and pursued his studies 
in Erskine Theological Seminary. He was licensed by 
the First Presbytery at Winnsboro, S. C, 1899. After 
supplying churches in Alexander Co., N. C, and at White 
Oak, Ga., he was called to Huntersville and Gilead in 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C, and was ordained and installed 
pastor of these churches Nov. 27th, 1900, and is still 
serving them. Under his leadership the church at Hun- 
tersville has erected a new and beautiful house of wor- 
ship. 

Birnbach, C. R. — Rev. C. R. Birnbach was born and 
raised in Germany. He joined the First Presbytery, by 
certificate from the United Presbyterian Presbytery of 
Sidney, Ohio, at Gilead, in Mecklenburg Co., N. C, 
April, 1886, and preached in various churches in North 
and South Carolina for a year. On April 4th, 1887, Mr. 
Birnbach was dismissed by letter to the Bethel Presby- 
tery of the Southern Presbyterian Church, and after 
preaching in that church for a short while, returned to 
the North. 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



55 



Black, John Victor. — Son of Elihu Black and Harriet 
Shaw, was born April 20, 1871, at Frankfort, Ind. He 
received his collegiate training at Monmouth College of 
the United Presbyterian Church. He joined the church 
at Austin, Texas, in 1883, and was received by the Sec- 
ond Presbytery as a student of theology at Mount Car- 
mel, S. C, Nov., 1894. He attended the Erskine Theo- 
logical Seminary and was licensed by the Second Pres- 
bytery at Ebenezer, Ga., in the spring of 1896. Having 
accepted a call from Generostee and the Grove in An- 
derson Co., S. C, he was ordained and installed pastor 
by Drs. W. M. Grier and W. L. Pressly, commission of 
2nd. Presbytery, in the spring of 1897. He was mar- 
ried in the spring of 1897, in Newberry, S. C, to Miss 
Lizzie Allen Blackburn, daughter of James and Mollie 
Blackburn. To them one child has been born. Gener- 
ostee and the Grove have developed during his pastorate. 

Mr. Black is a man of fine presence in the pulpit, an 
impressive speaker, and an earnest worker and pastor. 

Blackstock, William. — Born at Ballynahinch, Ireland ; 
educated in Scotland; licensed by the Associate Presby- 
tery of Down and supplied for some time the Associate 
congregation of Ballynahinch. Embarking on the "Irish 
Volunteer" on the 25th of Sept., 1792, he landed in 
Charleston, S. C, a Christmas gift to the A. R. church. 
"Rev. B. preached once, the captain paying strict atten- 
tion, but not the crew." He was ordained and installed 
pastor of Steele Creek, Ebenezer and Neely's Creek, all in 
York Co., S. C, June 8th, 1794, by the Presbytery of the 
Carolinas and Georgia. Having labored faithfully in this 
triple charge for ten years, the following unhappy divis- 
ion in Steele Creek and Neely's Creek induced a change. 

Revs. Peter McMullan and William Dixon became 
dissatified with the A. R. P. Church principally because 
of just discipline inflicted on the former. They declined 
their authority and joined the Associate Presbyterian 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Church and were subsequently with Rev. John Cree of 
Rockbridge Co., Va., organized into the Associate Pres- 
bytery of the Carolinas Aug. 31, 1803, at Steele Creek, 
N. C. As before said two of his congregations were 
thereby rent by schism, one part singing David's Psalms 
and the other the Psalms of David. 

About 1804 he became pastor-elect, but for some rea- 
son not installed, of New Perth, Old Sterling, and Rocky 
Springs. Here his wife died, April 26th, 1810, aged 45. 
Her maiden name was Sarah Hutchison. Removing to 
Tirzah, Union Co., N. C, about 181 1 he became pas- 
tor as also of Ebenezer, York Co., S. C, which latter he 
demitted July 12th, 181 5, as also Neelys Creek, 18 14, 
which pastorate he had assumed some time before. His 
influence was now great and his activity untiring. 
A punctual and influential member of church courts he 
was called to the Moderatorship of Synod 1805, 1812, 
April 8, 1812, Nov. 18 and 1825, as also in 1809 a dele- 
gate to the General Synod. It was customary to appoint 
yearly a missionary West. For 14 weeks in 182 1 he 
made such a journey. It is probable in a second such 
journey 1827 he preached the first sermon ever delivered 
in Obion Co., Tenn,. under a large beech hard by the 
Troy A. R. P. Church. Possibly he felt partially re- 
warded when the next Synod thanked him "for unwear- 
ied and persevering exertions." His pastoral relation 
with Tirzah was dissolved early in 1827. This faithful 
and laborious minister did much pioneer work in the 
bounds of the First Presbytery. His memory is em- 
balmed in the hearts of a grateful people. The Master 
gave him the distinguished honor and to us the blessing 
of thirty-nine years faithful, loyal, untiring service. 
Many must be the stars in his crown of rejoicing. His 
coronation day was Oct., 1831, and his remains were in- 
terred at Tirzah, where for so many years he had 
preached the Gospel. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



57 



Blakely, Rev. Hunter Bryson. — The congregation of 
Bethel, now Ora, S. C, has given to the church a num- 
ber of useful ministers; among these Bro. H. B. Blakely 
occupies a prominent place. He is the son of Tudy 
Blakely and Margaret Bryson, and was born near Ora, 
Laurens Co., S. C, January 6th, 1863. He attended the 
common school of his neighborhood and was from a boy 
a diligent student. Brought up under the ministry of 
Rev. D. F. Haddon, he joined the church in childhood. 
Entering Erskine College as a Freshman, he graduated 
in June, 1883, with the first honors of his class. He was 
especially distinguished for his proficiency in Mathemat- 
ics. He taught school one year after graduation and 
then entered the Seminary at Due West in the fall of 
1884. The sessions at that time consisted of three terms 
of seven months. He graduated from Seminary in May, 
1887. He became a member of Presbytery at Doraville, 
Ga., in April, 1885 ; was licensed at Bethel, Laurens Co., 
S. C, in April, 1886; spent some time in Tennessee, Lin- 
coln Co., during the following summer. Was called as 
pastor to New Hope, S. C, and was there ordained and 
installed, October 19, 1887. 

He remained here three years, but the congregation al- 
tho' growing in liberality and in grace during his minis- 
try, was much weakened by removals. He accepted a 
call to Lancaster, Gill's Creek and Unity — and labored 
in that field for four years. He was sent by the Board 
of Home Missions to Atlanta, Ga., in September, 1894, 
and labored faithfully and successfully in that field for 
seven years. Was called to Troy, S. C, in December, 
1 901, where he is now pastor, the church there having 
taken on new life since his work began. 

Bro. Blakely is a most successful pastor and an earn- 
est, scriptural preacher. 

He was married November 3rd, 1892, to Miss Susan 
M. Marshall, daughter of John T. and Sallie Thorn Mar- 
shall, of Millersburgh, Bourbon Co., Ky. They have 
four children living and one dead. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




Blakely, Warren An- 
drew. — Son of Milton 
Blakely and Elizabeth 
Jane Thompson, was born 
January 3, 1874, near 
Clinton, Laurens Co., S. 
C. His educational oppor- 
tunities were good, being 



W. A. BLAKELY. 



prepared for college in the 
mf ordinary public schools, 
f and graduating from Er- 
skine College in June, 
1895. He joined Bethel 
A. R. church when but 10 
or 11 years of age, entered 



Erskine Theological Seminary, Oct., 1896, and was re- 
ceived as Student of Theology by the Second Presbytery 
at Bethlehem, S. C, in the spring of 1897. He was li- 
censed to preach at Generostee, S. C. April 19. 1898. the 
Rev. E. P. McClintock acting for Rev. J. S. Mills, Mod- 
erator. Was ordained by a commission of the Second 
Presbytery at Due West, S. C, Dec. 1, 1898, Rev. W. M. 
Grier, D. D., Moderator, and Rev. O. Y. Bonner, Clerk. 
He labored at Doraville, Ga., and Prosperity and Or- 
ville, Ala. In the fall of 1899 he was called to the pas- 
torate of Prosperity and Orrville, and was installed over 
the former Dec. 3, 1899, an d over the latter May 21, 1900. 
The Rev. H. M. Henry officiated on both occasions. 

Mr. Blakely was left an orphan when eight years of 
age and was taken into the home of his grandmother, 
Mrs. E. A. Thompson. 

Bonner, John I. — Was born in Monroe County, Ala., 
in 1823, but spent most of his early years in Wilcox 
County of that same State. 

In 1837, his father removed to Indiana, and living not 
far from Oxford, Ohio, the seat of Miami University, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



59 




was in the position to give his 
son the advantages of an excel- 
lent education. During the 
years 1843, l &44> an d 1845, he 
studied theology in the Semi- 
nary at Due West, S. C, under 
Rev. E. E. Pressly, D. D., and 
was licensed by the Second 
Presbytery at Long Cane, S. C, 
Oct. 6, 1845. 



REV. J. I. BONNER, D. D. 



Although not the pastor of a 
church, he very frequently went 
out on preaching tours, occupy- 
ing vacant pulpits and assisting 
on sacramental occasions. About 



Due West and over the adjoining counties of Abbeville, 
Laurens, Anderson, and Newberry, his name was al- 
most as familiar as household words. He took an ac- 
tive part in committees, in Boards, in church courts, in 
literary and educational labors, all of which brought upon 
him many cares and responsibilities. 

He began his editorial experience with the Erskine 
Miscellany in 1851. Then with the Telescope, and last- 
ly with the A. R. Presbyterian. m In the management of 
this paper he displayed tact, energy, and perseverence. 
He had great facility in the use of the pen, using lang- 
uage terse, vigorous, and idiomatic, and sometimes in 
the heat of controversy, sarcastic and trenchant. 

Dr. Bonner did many things and did them well, he 
served the Church efficiently in various offices, but per- 
haps his life work, that which enlisted his best efforts 
and called forth his fullest energy was teaching. In 
1859 he was chosen President of Due West Female Col- 
lege, and it is mainly to him that this Institution owes 
the high rank it now holds. He lived and worked for 
it with all the energy of his nature. From the date of its 
organization until his death he was its only President. 



6o 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



He possessed to an unusual degree eminent qualifica- 
tions for his work as College President. He was a man 
of great sagacity and practical sense. His foresight was 
almost prophetic. One of the most salient points of his 
character was his great force of will which in large mea- 
sure made him what he was. It was essential in the po- 
sition he held and during the times in which he filled it. 
It was his unconquerable resolution that infused hope and 
courage in others. Again he possessed great adfriinis- 
trative tact, a quick perception of the individualities of 
his pupils and a readiness in adapting his instructions 
to fit their peculiar needs. But above all these qualifi- 
cations for his calling, Dr. Bonner possessed the 
great and essential one of love for his work. His 
whole heart was in it. He sought with fervent 
zeal to make the Institution over which he presided, 
one of the best in the land, and surely this In- 
stitution is his best monument in that it tells what 
he was and what he was capable of achieving. As 
College President, editor, and member of Presbytery 
and Synod, he wielded an extensive and powerful in- 
fluence. It is difficult to say in which of these three ca- 
pacities he wielded the most influence, but it may be said 
that being of a public spirit and fully abreast of the age, 
he was on the lookout for all legitimate measures by 
which to put the Church on high vantage ground. 

Dr. Bonner was married three times ; to Miss N. M. 
Baldridge of Indiana, who lived but a short time; to 
Miss L. A. Lindsay, of Due West, daughter of James 
Lindsay, and sister of Rev. J. O. Lindsay, D. D. ; and to 
Miss A. L. Morse, of New York. At the time of his 
death he left a widow and seven children, four sons and 
three daughters. 

He died at his residence in the Female College, Due 
West, S. C, April 29, 1881, in the fifty-ninth (59th) 
year of his age. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



61 




REV. 0. Y. BONNER. 



Bonner, Rev. Oliver Young. 
— Youngest son of Rev. J. I. 
Bonner, D. D., and Mrs. A. L. 
Bonner, was born in Due West, 
S. C, November 15, 1863. His 
early educational advantages 
were excellent, and at the age 
of twenty years he was gradu- 
ated from Erskine College. Af- 
ter his graduation from Erskine 
College, he entered Erskine 
Theological Seminary, and af- 
ter two year spent in that in- 
stitution, he entered Union 
Seminary, N. Y., from which he 



was graduated in 1887. After his graduation from Union 
Seminary, he preached six months withih the bounds of 
the Virginia Presbytery, six months in Kentucky, and six 
months in the Tennessee and Alabama Presbytery. In 
1888, he was called to the joint pastorate of Prosperity 
and Blanche, Tenn. Accepting the call, he was installed 
the same year, and remained there until May, 1891. In 
June, 1 891, he was installed pastor of Due West A. R. P. 
church, a relation existing at the present time (1904). 
Under his ministry, the church has grown in strength and 
in every good work. 

In addition to his pastoral duties, Mr. Bonner is 
junior editor of the A. R. Presbyterian, a position he 
has held since the death of Dr. W. M. Grier in 1899. 

After the death of Rev. C. E. Todd, Synod commis- 
sioned Mr. Bonner to prosecute the collection of the 
Twentieth Century Fund. He entered into this work 
with zeal and energy, and met with much success. At 
the meeting of Synod at Winnsboro, S. C, in 1903, 
he was, at his own request, released from this work. 

Mr. Bonner has always been deeply interested in mis- 
sions, and is considered an authority on almost every 
phase of foreign mission work. 



62 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



In 1892 Mr. Bonner was united in marriage to Miss 
Belle H. Neel, daughter of Dr. J. D. Neel. of Troy, S. 
C, and to them two children were born. Mrs. Bonner 
died in 1901. 

On June 30, 1903, Mr. Bonner was married to Miss 
Jennie Edwards, daughter of Dr. E. H. Edwards of Due 
West, and for many years the talented and successful 
teacher of vocal music at the Due West Female College. 

Bonner, Rev. Thomas Joel. — Was born in Monroe Co., 
Ala., Dec. 23, 1821. His father, William Bonner, had 
moved from Cedar Springs, in Abbeville Co., S. C. ; af- 
terward located in Wilcox Co., Ala., and later in Free- 
stone Co., Texas. Thomas 
spent his early years on 
the farm. He attended 
Miami University a while, 
but graduated from Er- 
skine College in 1843. The 
same year he married Miss 
Amanda Posey, of Abbe- 
ville Co., S. C. His theo- 
logical studies were prose- 
cuted under Rev. Joseph 
McCreary one year, and in 
Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary. 

He was licensed by the 
Alabama Presbytery in 1846. For a number of years he 
was S. S. for a vacancy in Lowndes Co. and occasionally 
visited vacancies in Georgia and Mississippi. At the so- 
licitation of friends and kindred, he moved to Freestone 
Co., Texas, in 1859. 

Some time before this he was ordained sine titudo by 
the Alabama Presbytery. He preached regularly in this 
new field, always loyally maintaining the principles of 
the church of his choice. For perhaps 15 years, he 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



63 



never saw the face or heard the voice of an Associate 
Reformed minister, yet always had a lively interest in 
the enterprises of Synod. About the year 1865 he or- 
ganized a Psalm singing church at County Line school 
house, near the line between Freestone and Navarro 
counties. This church was temporarily placed under 
the care of a presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in 
the U. S. The congregations of Harmony, Richland and 
Ebenezer come out of this organization. In the organ- 
ization of the Presbytery of Texas, at Harmony Church, 
Dec. 9, 1876, Rev. T. J. Bonner presided and preached 
the opening sermon. He, with Revs. J. M. Little and 
W. L. Patterson composed the Presbytery. Failing 
health compelled him to retire from the active work of 
the ministry about the year '79. He died June 13, 1895, 
at the hofrie of his son, W. B. Bonner in Wortham, 
Texas. He left a widow and six children. 

Borrows, James. — Born in Washington Co., Pa., March 
3, 1 82 1, was graduated at Muskingum, 1847, an< ^ took 
his divinity course at Allegheny. The Second Ohio 
gave him license April 10, 1850, and ordination Oct. 27, 
1852. After serving as pastor in Ohio and Pennsylvania, 
he came with the Presbytery of Ohio into the A. R. P. 
Synod of the South Sept. 19th, 1867, as pastor of Eben- 
ezer, Crawford Co., Pa. He was installed pastor of 
Hartstown, same county, April, 1868, and Sugar Grove, 
Mercer Co., Pa., 1870. Returned with his congregations 
to the U. P. Church May 30th, 1881, and the Ohio Pres- 
bytery was dissolved. He died of paralysis May 13, 1886. 

Bothwell, David. — Was born in 1749, in Monaghan, 
Ireland. His parents were David and Margaret Both- 
well. He had good educational advantages and was 
graduated from the University of Edinburgh, perhaps in 
1786. He studied theology at Haddington under John 
Brown and was a member of the last class taught by that 



6 4 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



eminent divine. He joined the church at Belen Albany. 
He was received as a student of theology by the Presby- 
tery of Monaghan at Monaghan in 1787. He was li- 
censed by the same Presbytery at Belen Albany, 1789. 
He was sent immediately to labor in Georgia, and on his 
arrival supplied the churches in Jefferson and Burke 
Counties. He landed at Charleston, Jan. 1st, 1790. 

He was perhaps installed as pastor of Bethel and Eb- 
enezer Churches, but preached at other points, and no 
doubt made long missionary tours. On Oct. 19th, 1789, 
at Monaghan he married Miss Jane Wright. Her pa- 
rents were John and Mary Lowther Wright. She was 
born at Monaghan Jan. 24th, 1773. David Bothwell 
left four sons ; his widow married Rev. John Renwick 
and left a number of children, one of whom, Mrs. Henry, 
still lives at Due West. Mrs. Bothwell, afterwards Mrs. 
Renwick, died Dec. 12th, 1849. David Bothwell was 
for ten years a prominent figure in the history of the 
A. R. Church, and was a preacher of great power. He 
was called upon to preach before the legislature of 
Georgia during the Yazoo excitement. He died in the 
midst of his usefulness June 30th, 1801. 




E. E. BOYCE, D. D. 



Boyce, Ebeneser Er- 
skine, D. D. — Of the many 
distinguished ministers 
Sardis, N. C, has pro- 
duced, none are more con- 
secrated, useful and lov- 
able. He was of distin- 
guished and pious ances- 
try. Mrs. Margaret Har- 
per gave birth to two sons 
in Ireland who, emigrat- 
ing to Philadelphia, es- 
tablished the "Harper 
Bros." Publishing House. 
By her second marriage 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



65 



Margaret Morehead was born. This daughter and 
James Boyce, grandfather of above, marrying in Ireland 
and emigrating to Mecklenburg Co., N. C, brought her 
mother, whose remains lie in Providence cemetery. Mrs. 
Margaret Morehead "had some illustrious descendants, 
among whom was Wm. H. Morehead, Governor of N. 
C, and a very numerous generation descending through 
her daughter Prudence Smith. The youngest son of 
Samuel Boyce and his wife Deborah Black, born in 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C, Dec. 12, 1820, bore both a scrip- 
ture and a Scottish name — Ebenezer Erskine. 

His preparation for college began in 1837, under Dr. 
R. C. Grier at Union Academy. In 1842 he entered Jef- 
ferson College, Pa., a horseback ride of two weeks, grad- 
uating in 1844. After a full course in Erskine Semi- 
nary, he became a probationer of the First Presbytery, 
Nov. 11, 1846. That winter was spent at Ebenezer, 
Rockbridge Co., Va. The next spring and summer in 
Kentucky, the Synodical year, ' 4.7- 4.8, in West Tenn- 
essee. Some time during this year he preached the first 
sermon where Richland church now stands, under a 
large poplar tree. His ordination and installation took 
place over the united congregations of Bethany, York 
Co., S. C, and Pisgah, Gaston Co., N. C, June 28, 1849. 

Then and there began possibly the most successful 
pastorate in Synod. Pisgah was divided in 1856 and 
Nebo in Cleveland Co. organized. Nebo was divided 
into King's Mountain, now Boyce Memorial, and Bethel. 
Gastonia, Crowder's Creek, Clover and Bessemer, all 
fair daughters, sprang up. The two original have grown 
to eight with pastors, a total membership (1903) of 814, 
accessions 77, contributing $3,921, and church and manse 
property worth $17,600. True, this is not all the work 
of Dr. Boyce. But God was pleased to use this prince 
of pastors and wise master builders to lay the founda- 
tion and direct this remarkable expansion in his pas- 
torate. Bethany was demitted Sept. 7, 1885. On the 



5 



66 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



25th Sept., 1893, this laborious servant, because of age 
and infirmity and as he said "because he loved his peo- 
ple," demitted Pisgah and Gastonia. The words were 
spoken and the vows taken, Aug. 29, 1850, which wedded 
him to Miss Margaret Jane, daughter of John Simonton, 
of Fairfield Co., S. C. Short was their united life. 
Death in her father's home, Oct. 10, 1851, sundered this 
tie. His second wife was Miss Rachel E. McElwee, the 
nuptial day being May 11, 1854. She still survives and 
is the mother of all his living children. He was modera- 
tor of Synod, 1870, delegate to the United Presbyterian 
General Assembly, Monmouth, 111., May, 1874, and re- 
ceived D. D. froin Westminster, Pa., 1885, and from 
Erskine College the same year. Suddenly the summons 
came early Wednesday morning, Nov. 5, 1902, at Gas- 
tonia, N. C. 

During that day and the next morning the Synod was 
collecting in Gastonia for their meeting at Pisgah, a few 
miles distant. By unanimous consent the members at- 
tended and conducted his funeral in the city at the very 
hour they should have met in Synodical session. Such 
a coincidence has never occurred but once before in our 
church. 

Rev. R. M. Galloway died at Hopewell, Maury Co., 
Tenn., Friday, Oct. 9, 1840, and was buried by his Sy- 
nod, which met the following Monday. 

A most remarkable servant of his Master, great in 
goodness and good in greatness, he was the beloved 
disciple. 

His preaching was flash lights on the text, striking, 
original, intensely interesting and helpful. 

His pastoral work was exemplary, never forgetting 
he was an ambassador, always mingling gravity with 
innocent gaiety, and trying to make every common place 
incident produce a spiritual impression. He was pre- 
emiently spiritually minded, a peace maker, and a wise 
counsellor. His home was a model. Grace and nature 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



6 7 



made this distinguished servant a Nathaniel in guileless- 
ness, a John in loveliness, a Moses in meekness. 

Boyd, James Cisero. — Rev. James Cisero Boyd was 
born in the bounds of Hopewell Church, in Chester Co., 
S. C, Nov. 28th, 1833, and was the son of James Boyd 
and Frances Agnew. He was educated at Due West, S. 
C, graduating from Erskine College in the class of 1855. 
In the fall of the same year he was taken under the care 
of the First Presbytery as a student of theology at Sar- 
dis, N. C, and after spending two years in the Seminary 
at Due West, S. C, was licensed by the First Presbytery 

at Coddle Creek in the fall 
of 1857. 

In the spring of 1858, he 
was by the Second Presby- 
tery ordained and installed 
pastor of Head Springs, 
Cannon's Creek, and Pros- 
perity, in Newberry Co., S. 
I * C. For thirty-two years 
Mr. Boyd was" pastor of 
these churches and left his 
impress on the people of 
these churches, and did a 
noble work among them. 
In 1890, Mr. Boyd re- 




J. C. BOYD. 

signed the charge that he had so long served and went to 
Iredell Co., N. C, where he was soon installed over the 
congregation of New Stirling. Here he remained pastor 
for ten years, resigning because of ill health in 1900. Af- 
ter long years of faithful service in the Master's vine- 
yard, this servant of the Lord passed to his reward 
March 29th, 1902, and is buried at New Stirling. Mr. 
Boyd was married three times. In Aug., 1857, to Miss 
Elizabeth J. Pressly, daughter of Rev. E. E. Pressly, D. 
D., of Due West, S. C, who soon died, leaving him one 



68 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



daughter. His second marriage was in May, 1861, to 
Miss Margaret F. McClintock, of Laurens Co., S. C, 
daughter of John and Mary McClintock, by whom he 
had seven children. She died June 19th, 1880. 

On Dec. 12th, 1881, Mr. Boyd married Miss Lavinia 
Pressly, daughter of Richard and Mary Barron Pressly, 
who survives him. He served his generation by the will 
of God, and fell on sleep, and his works do follow him. 

Boyce, James. — Was born in Gaston Co., N. C, Jan. 
25th, i860. His father was Rev. E. E. Boyce and his 
mother Miss Rachel E. McElwee. He had good educa- 



his uncle, Dr. James Boyce, and enjoyed the best of op- 
portunities for development of character. 

He joined the church, under the pastorate of his 
father, at Bethany, York Co., S. C. He was received 
as a student of Theology, Sept 26th, 1879, b y the First 
Presbytery at a called meeting at Union, S. C. He re- 
ceived his theological training at Erskine Theological 
Seminary, Due West, S. C. He was licensed by the 
First Presbytery at Shiloh, Lancaster Co., S. C, Sept. 7, 
t88i, Dr. Lathan officiating. He was ordained by the 




JAMES BOYCE. 



tional opportunities in his 
early youth. When 13 
years of age, he spent 
some time at Elk Shoals 
Academy. The influence 
of the teachers, especially 
Rev. W. B. Pressly, the 
principal, was very great, 
and has been a blessing 
and great factor in the 
formation of his character. 
He graduated from Er- 
skine College in 1878. Dur- 
ing the three years spent 
in college, he lived with 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



6 9 



Kentucky Presbytery at Hinkston, Dec. 16, 1882. For 
one year after licensure he assisted his father, who at that 
time had charge of Pisgah, Bethany, Kings Mt. and 
other congregations. The Synod of 1882 appointed him 
to work in Louisville, Ky. He was twice invited to re- 
turn to Bethany. He was called as pastor of 7th and 
Chestnut Street Church, Louisville, Ky., in 1884, and 
was installed Oct. 3rd. The church prospered under his 
ministry. He demitted this charge in October, 1896, to 
accept a call to Huntersville, N. C. He was installed 
there Feb. 1st, 1897. He demitted this charge April 1st, 
1899, to accept the Presidency of Due West Female Col- 
lege. Oct. 17th, 1883, at Headquarters, Nicholas Co., 
Ky., he was married to Miss Jennie Isabella Thompson, 
a daughter of Robert Alexander Thompson and his wife, 
Elizabeth Jane Fleming. Mrs. Boyce was born at Head- 
quarters, Ky., Nov. 23rd, 1859. They have four chil- 
dren. Rev. James Boyce has been stated clerk of Synod 
since 1890 and assistant clerk of 1st Presbytery since 
1897. For ten years he has been editor of the Youth's 
Department of the "A. R. P." He has a fine physique 
and is the most handsome man in the Synod. 

Boyce j James, Rev., D. 
D. — Son of Samuel Boyce 
and Deborah Black was 
born in Sardis, Mecklen- 
burg Co., N. C, July 13, 
1808. The name, Boyce, 
has generally been re- 
garded as Scotch-Irish, 
but there are some reasons 
for believing the family to 
be of Huguenot origin. — 
"Either theory points to 
an illustrious descent, a 
noble ancestry, worthy of 
the name." 




JAMES BOYCE, D. D. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



In his "Autobiography," Dr. Boyce says that when, at 
the age of twelve years, he expressed a desire for a 
classical education, his father agreed to pay his expenses 
up to the end of his collegiate course, but no more, no 
farther, and fulfilled his word to the letter. 

At the age of thirteen he became a pupil at Sugar 
Creek Academy, near Charlotte, conducted by Rev. Sam- 
uel Caldwell. He remained here one year, receiving his 
initiation into the "absurd mysteries" of the Latin Gram- 
mar, and was then removed to Ebenezer Academy, in 
York District, S. C, under Rev. Eleazer Harris, where 
he remained two years. In August, 1827, he set out 
for Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa., riding the entire 
distance, 600 miles, on horseback, the horse being a gift 
to him from his uncle, John Black. He entered the 
junior class and was graduated in two years in a class of 
thirty-three, returning South in October, 1829. At the 
age of twelve years he had been received as a member 
of the church at Sardis, N. C, and immediately after his 
graduation he was received as a student of theology un- 
der the care of the First Presbytery at Hopewell, S. C, 
and under the instruction of Rev. Isaac Grier. In Nov., 
1 83 1, his trial for licensure having been considered sat- 
isfactory, he was licensed, "in a little old house down 
among the elms," the home of Dr. John Hemphill, dur- 
ing the meeting of Presbytery at Hopewell. Later on in 
the same year he was ordained and installed over the 
Brick Church and New Hope, Fairfield Co., S. C. In 
1843, the Brick Church becoming weakened by emigra- 
tion to the West, he withdrew from that part of his 
charge and gave the whole of his time to New Hope, 
until 1869, when, leaving as he says "a tried for an 
untried situation," he exchanged his pastorate, his com- 
fortable home, desirable neighborhood, and a reliable 
congregation, for a Theological professorship in the 
Seminary at Due West. Here he taught until his death 
eighteen years later. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



71 



Dr. Boyce was married twice. His first wife was 
Mary Ann Bell, daughter of Charles Bell, Esq., of Lit- 
tle River, Fairfield Co., S. C. At her death, in 1847, she 
left four children. On Jan. 1, 1850, he married Martha 
H. Witherspoon, widow of Rev. John Witherspoon, and 
daughter of Rev. Isaac Grier and Isabella Harris Grier. 
To them two children were born. 

In 1843, Dr. Boyce took charge of the Christian Mag- 
azine of the South, a monthly publication gotten up by 
Synod to promote the interests of the church. 

The publication of this magazine was kept up for nine 
years, being discontinued at the end of 185 1. Dr. Boyce 
says he came out of his journalistic venture "with fly- 
ing colors" financially, having made $300.00 in nine 
years! He was also associate editor of the A. R. Pres- 
byterian for a number of years. 

In 1854 the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him 
by Erskine College, and on the same day of the receipt 
of this news he was notified that the Board of Trustees 
of Jefferson College, Penn., had conferred upon him the 
same title. 

Dr. Boyce was fond of sight-seeing and traveled 
much, both at home and abroad, having a keen eye, and 
being a close observer of men and things. His letters 
were highly instructive and fascinating. He had a heart 
of tenderness and love, with a great sympathy with the 
afflicted and bereaved. 

The subject of union with the United Presbyterian 
Church of America was ever near his heart. He longed 
for it, labored and prayed for it; but his eyes were not 
permitted to behold it. 

Dr. Boyce died July 29, 1889, aged 81 years, and his 
body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Due West, S. C. 

Boyce, John Kirkpatrick. — Was a son of John Boyce 
and Isabella Kirkpatrick, and was born in the State of 
North Carolina, June 15, 181 5. He was married Nov. 



72 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



25, 1845, to Martha Bowen, a daughter of Rease Bowen, 
and Sallie Strong. She was born Nov. 15, 182 1, and 
died Feb. 14, 1899. Eight children were born to them, 
and all, perhaps, are dead except two sons, William C, 
of Covington, Tenn., and Rease, now residing in State 
of Missouri. 

A part of Mr. Boyce's ministerial labor was spent in 
middle Tennessee, where he was pastor of Hopewell and 
Head Springs, being installed April 18, 1845. How 
long this pastorate continued is not stated, nor in what 
"other fields he labored. But we know that he came to 
Tipton Co., Tenn., and preached occasionally in the 
churches in West Tennessee. He lived on a farm a few 
miles south of Covington, and there he died. He is 
buried m Salem cemetety, and there are buried his wife 
and deceased children. 

Boyse, John. — Was born in Ireland, 1757; came to 
this country before the Revolution, and settled with his 
father in Long Cane, Abbeville Co., S. C. He was 
graduated at Dickinson College, Pa., 1787. Taking 
one course here, he finished with Rev Matthew Lind, of 
Greencastle, Pa. Very soon after his licensure by the 
Presbytery of Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1788, he 
was sent as stated supply to Hopewell, S. C, Coddle 
Creek, Gilead and Prosperity, N. C. He was by the 
same presbytery ordained July 1, 1789, his installation 
this charge occurring later. Catholic and Hopewell, 
Chester Co., S. C, were his stations in that State. He, 
together with Dr. Thomas Clark, had prayed and la- 
bored for the organization of a Presbytery in the South. 

His work was blessed especially at Hopewell. It took 
two days in May, 1792, to examine candidates for mem- 
bership. He boarded with and died at the home of David 
McQuiston on Little River in the bounds of New Hope 
congregation, to whose daughter, Margaret, tradition 
says he was engaged. She soothed his dying pillow and 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



73 



herself departing this life early afterward, her remains 
lie near his in Hopewell cemetery. His decease was on 
March 18th, 1793, the immediate cause being consump- 
tion. His parish was very extensive. At the beginning 
of his labors and until the arrival of Rev. William Black- 
stocks, Dec. 25th, 1792, near his death, there was not even 
a resident minister in the bounds of the First Presbytery. 
All the field from Fairfield Co., S. C, to Iredell Co., N. 
C, with churches formed and forming was indeed a bur- 
den. 

He was instrumental in holding much of this large ter- 
ritory for the A. R. P. Church. Although of delicate con- 
stitution he not only preached in this extensive parish, 
but excelled in catechetical instruction. He had also a 
very accurate knowledge of human nature. 

His mental qualities were of high order and his pulpit 
exercises very acceptable and fruitful. He was a de- 
voted, learned and laborious minister, but the Master 
called him early to exchange the cross for the crown, the 
church militant for the church triumphant. 

Boyce, Samuel Columbus. — Was born near Sardis 
Church, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, June 7, 1828. When 
about 17, his father having died, he went to Lincoln Co., 
Tenn., and entered Viney Grove Academy, and in three 
and one-half years was prepared for and entered Er- 
skine College, graduating in 1852. 

His divinity course was taken under Dr. James Boyce 
and Rev. J. M. Walker, and at U. P. Seminary New- 
burg, N. Y., and the Presbyterian in Columbia, S. C. 
The First Presbytery granted him license April 17, 1855, 
and Synod that fall ordered him to Kentucky, supplying 
Mt. Olivet two years. His stated labors began then at 
New Hope, where he was installed pastor Sept. 10th, 
1859, ms ordination by the Kentucky Presbytery taking 
place May 20th, that year. This relation was dissolved 
May 1 2th, 1864, and because of an unhappy domestic 



74. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



occurrence he was suspended Sept. 16th, 1864. He sought 
and obtained restoration and joined the Presbyterian 
Church May 25th, 1872. After spending three years in 
Arkansas, he removed to Winchester, Union Co., N. C, 
where he now resides, "an humble, meek and patient man 
of God." 

Boyce, Thomas Gilmore. — Son of Samuel Amzi Boyce 
and Eliza Moore Nisbet, was born February 3, 1862, in 
Sardis congregation, Mecklenburgh Co., N. C. He 
worked on the farm until nearly 19 years old, going to 



student of Theology by the First Presbytery at White 
Oak, S. C, Sept. 8, 1885, and prosecuted his Theological 
studies at Due West, S. C. in Erskine Theological Semi- 
nary. He was licensed to preach by the First Presbytery 
at Smyrna, York Co., S. C, April 5, 1887. While labor- 
ing in the Arkansas Presbytery, he was called as pastor 
by Hickory Springs in Bradley Co., and Shady Grove in 
Cleveland Co. This call was presented and accepted 
Oct. 29, 1888. He was ordained and installed by the 
Arkansas Presbytery at Hickory Springs, Dec. 4, 1888, 
and at Shady Grove his installation occurred two days 
later, Dec. 6, 1888. In these churches he labored until 




T. G. BOYCE, D. D. 



school only during the 
slack season of work, a 
few months in the winter 
and after the crops were 
laid by. He went to 
school one full year and 
then entered the Sopho- 
more class at Erskine Col- 
lege in 1882. He gradu- 
ated with first honors in 
the class of 1885. When 
about 15 years of age he 
joined the church at Sar- 
dis. He was received as a 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



75 



he was called to the pastorate of Salem Church, Tipton 
Co., Term., which call was accepted and he was installed 
there March 4, 1893. This relation continues to this day, 
1903. 

He was married January 30, 1889, to Miss Agnes 
Jane Peoples, daughter of Richard R. Peoples and Agnes 
McDill Peoples, the marriage taking place at her grand- 
mother McDill's in Hopewell congregation, the Rev. 
Jno. A. White officiating. She was born Oct. 10, 1867, 
in Mecklenburgh Co., N. C, and died in Tipton Co., 
Tenn., June 7, 1896. Two children were born unto them, 
James Harvey and Iva Theresa, both of whom are still 
living. 

He was married the second time to Mrs. Lois Martin 
Mills, in Newton Co., Ga. She was the widow of Rev. 
R. Y. Mills and daughter of Rev. John E. and Isabella 
Grier Martin, and was born July 3, 1868. Three children 
have been born unto them, Margaret Marian, Moffatt 
Grier and Edward Gilmore. 

Since February, 1892, Rev. Boyce has been on the ed- 
itorial staff of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, oc- 
cupying the position of senior editor since the death of 
Dr. W. M. Grier. He was moderator of the Synod of 
1896, which met at Chicota, Lamar Co., Texas. 

He is an able preacher, presenting the Gospel message 
in a remarkably simple, clear, logical and irresistible 
manner. His deep spirituality and intense earnestness 
are not only marked in his pulpit efforts, but "in the care 
of the flock which comes upon him daily." It was his 
privilege to spend the years of his literary and Theologi- 
cal training in the home of his uncle, the Rev. James 
Boyce, D. D., whose valued assistance he has never for- 
gotten. Wise in counsel, discreet and clear in judgment, 
broad-minded and progressive, he is esteemed among his 
brethren. 

Boyd, John Laurense. — A son of William B. Boyd 
and Francis Ann Carrington, was born at Cayce, 



7 6 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




Miss., Jan. 15, 1872. He 
joined the church at Mt. 
Carmel, Miss., about 1888. 
He attended Erskine Col- 
lege and Seminary, and 
was received as a student 
of theology Oct., 1901, by 
the Memphis Presbytery. 
He was married to Sa- 
rah Elizabeth Crenshaw, 
daughter of N. B. and S. 
E. Crenshaw, of Luck, 
Miss. The marriage took 
place Dec. 31, 1895. Two 
children have been born to 
them. 



Boyd, Charles Morgan. — Is the son of William 
Baldridge Boyd and Francis Ann Carrington, and was 
born at Cayce, Miss., 
April 25, 1875. He re- 
ceived his common school 
training in the public 
school, and his High 
School training in the Rob- 
inson High School at 
Atoka, Tenn. He in- 
tended entering Erskine 
College in the fall of 1896, 
but was prevented by a 
spell of fever. In 1897 he 
entered college and was 
graduated in June, 1900. 
He joined the church at the 
age of thirteen and was received by the Second Presby- 
tery as a student of theology at Iva, S. C, April, 1901, 
licensed by the same Presbytery, April, 1902, and or- 




C. M. BOYD. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



77 



dained at Due West, Nov. 13, 1902. He spent his entire 
seminary time at our own Erskine Seminary at Due 
West, S C. He has preached since his licensure at 
Prosperity, Kings Creek, and Unity, Newberry, S. C. 
This charge has presented through the Second Presby- 
tery flattering calls to him. 

Mr. Boyd has some marked gifts as a writer and 
speaker, having won the prize as the best orator at the 
"Inter- State Collegiate Contest" of the Colleges of S. C. 

Bradley, Rev. R. F. — Was born in Abbeville Co., Sept. 
22nd, 1846. In early life he had the advantage of neigh- 
boring schools, and the 



1873, and demitted this work in the fall of 1883. He was 
also installed the first pastor of Troy S.C., in the spring 
of 1884, and demitted this charge in the spring of 1889, 
at the meeting of Presbytery at Ebenezer, Ga. On Dec. 
5th, 1891, he became pastor of Long Cane, S. C, and 
still continues the honored pastor of this charge. Mr. 
Bradley has led a busy life. In addition to the duties of 
the pastorate, he began the publication of the "Psalm 
Singer," which continued for two years and was sold to 
Rev. Geo. Warrington, Beaver Falls, Pa. It had the 




High Schools taught by 
Rev. E. L. Patton, near 
Long Cane, and was grad- 
uated from Erskine, 1869, 
and from Erskine Semi- 
nary in 1872. He was li- 
censed by the Second Pres- 
bytery the same year at its 
fall meeting, Cannon's 
Creek, Newberry, S. C. 



Mr. Bradley was or- 
dained and installed pastor 
of Generostee and Con- 
cord, S. C, Sept. 5th, 



R. F. BRADLEY. 



78 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



honor of proposing the first Pan Psalmody Counsel, held 
in Belfast, Ireland. 

Mr. Bradley also proposed the famous pastoral letter 
issued by the A. R. Synod of 1882, and is an enthusiastic 
advocate of union between the A. R. P. and the U. P. 
churches. Mr. Bradley was the Delegate from the A. R. 
Church to the U. P. in 1893. He is descended of dis- 
tinguished parentage on both sides of his ancestry, and 
was reared in choice surroundings in early life. He is a 
vigorous, fearless preacher, true to every conviction at 
any cost, is a diligent student, and an impressive speaker. 



Brice, Robert Wilson. — 
Rev. Robert Wilson Brice 
was born at the home of 
his father, Robert Brice, 
near New Hope Church in 
Fairfield Co., S. C, July 
2nd, 1826. His ancestors 
were all Scotch-Irish. His 
grandfather, James Brice, 
came from County An- 
trim, Ireland, about 1780, 
and settled on Little River. 
He married Jane Wilson, 
the daughter of Robert 
Wilson, one of the leaders 
of the Whigs in his neighborhood, during the Revolu- 
tionary War. 

The mother of Robert Wilson Brice was Margaret 
Simonton, the daughter of John Simonton and Jeannette 
Strong. On both sides the parents of Mr. Brice were in- 
telligent and pious, thrifty and industrious. His grand- 
father, James Brice, gave the land on which the New 
Hope Church stands, and his father, Robert Brice, was 
for many years an elder in the congregation. His grand- 
father, John Simonton, was also an elder in New Hope. 




R. W. BRICE. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



79 



When a boy, R. W. Brice attended the schools near his 
home, and was prepared for college by John McClurkin, 
who for 'many years taught the school at New Hope. 

In the fall of 1840 he entered Erskine College, gradu- 
ating in 1844. Even as a boy and young man, those no- 
ble traits of character which were displayed in his life 
afterwards, were plainly manifested, and he always ex- 
erted a good influence over his associates. He connected 
with the church while a student in college, and in Dec, 
1844, when only a boy of eighteen, he began the study of 
Theology under his brother-in-law, Rev. L. McDonald, 
then pastor of Union Church in Chester Co. 

The session of 1845 -1846, he spent in the A. R. Sem- 
inary at Alleghany, Pa., then presided over by Dr. John 
T. Pressly. On returning to the home of his father in 
the spring of 1846, he taught school for a time at New 
Hope, and then went to the Seminary at Due West, S. C, 
where he completed his course in the spring of 1848. 
He was received as a student by the First Presbytery in 
1847, and was licensed in April, 1848. After supplying 
some of the vacancies in the First Presbytery, he was 
sent to Kentucky in 1848, to supply some of the vacancies 
in that State. In the winter of 1849-50 he received a 
call from Hinkston, Ky., and in Jan., 1850, he also re- 
ceived a call to Hopewell, Chester Co., S. C, and this 
latter call he accepted, and on May 31st, 1850, he was 
ordained and installed as pastor of Hopewell, and there 
spent the remainder of his life, as the beloved pastor of 
this people. On March 4th, 1850, he was happily mar- 
ried to Anna Maria, the daughter of Rev. John and Jane 
C. Steele, of Kentucky, who proved to be to him a help- 
meet indeed, and a model pastor's wife. To them was 
born a large family of children, all of whofn have proved 
worthy children of a noble pair. As a pastor, Mr. Brice 
was greatly beloved by his congregation. His people 
placed implicit confidence and trust in him, for they 
found him to be a man without guile and without hy- 



So 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



pocrisy. He possessed a clear intellect, sound judg- 
ment and rare common sense. His sermons were plain, 
expository and practical, and more than ordinarily in- 
teresting and instructive. Dr. R. Lathan, who was 
raised in Hopewell, says : "He never preached a poor 
sermon — never an unstudied one." His custoVn was, 
during the winter months, to explain a Psalm and 
preach a sermon, and during the summer months to lec- 
ture on some book of the Bible, selected in regular or- 
der, and then after a short interval to preach a sermon. 
In this way he had explained the whole book of Psalms, 
and his lectures covered a good portion of the books of 
the New Testament. In his time Hopewell was literally 
a school house in which the Bible was taught. These 
faithful labors, tog-ether with regular pastoral visitation 
and catechising were blessed to the edification of his 
congregation. In 1866 or 1867, Mr. Brice began to 
preach one third of his time at old Purity, two miles 
south of Chester, and there in 1869 ne organized the 
present A. R. P. Church at Chester. He continued to 
minister to this new organization for one third of his 
time until October, 1875. 

From the first to the last, Mr Brice took an active in- 
terest in everything that pertained to the welfare of his 
denomination. He was constant in his attendance at 
Presbytery and Synod, and was an influential member 
of both these courts. He was Moderator of Synod at 
Sardis, N. C, in 1862, and at Hopewell, Tenn., in 1874, 
and he was Treasurer of Synod's Home Mission funds 
from 1854 to 1878. In summing up the character of 
Mr. Brice, Dr. Lathan, who was in early life a member 
of his congregation, and for a while a student in his 
home, says in his history of Hopewell and its Pastors : 
"He was in the strictest sense of the word a model man. 
Nature had bestowed on him some rare gifts. His dis- 
position was that of a high-toned Christian gentleman. 
In his nature there was nothing wild and fanciful. He 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



81 



was by every instinct of his being a matter of fact man. 
His passions were kept under perfect control. No man, 
so far as we know, ever saw him violently angry, nor 
did anyone ever hear him utter a hasty or rash sentence. 
All his convictions were reached calmly and conscien- 
tiously. Amid all the vicissitudes of life, he was, as near 
as mortal man can be, the same. His manners were 
plain but always gentlemanly. 

No man was better adapted to make himself friends, 
and no man was better fitted to retain them when made. 
Nature designed him to govern others, in that he was 
granted power to govern himself." 

With the close of the year 1877, the actual labors of 
Mr. Brice came to an end. On the last Sabbath of that 
year, he preached at Hopewell his last sermon. As the 
sun went down on the 14th of March, 1878, he peace- 
fully passed from earth, saying: "For me to live is 
Christ and to die is gain." On the 16th of March he 
was buried at Hopewell amid the tears of a sorrowing 
family and congregation. He left surviving him his be- 
loved wife and ten children, three sons and seven daugh- 
ters. 

Bryson, Henry, D. D. — 
Was born February 20, 
1799, in Laurens District, 
S. C, whither his parents 
had come from the North 
of Ireland before the war 
for Independence. He was 
one of the pioneers among 
the ministers of the Asso- 
ciate Reformed Presby- 
terian Church west of the 
Allegheny Mountains. For 
nearly half a century he 
exercised a wide and pow- 
erful influence as a 




HENRY BRYSON, D. D. 



82 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



preacher and teacher in Middle Tennessee, building 
strong churches and sending out many young men well 
prepared for their life work. 

The family were members of the Liberty Springs 
Presbyterian Church and his training was after the strict 
manner of the Scotch Irish of that day. The son, Henry, 
was prepared for college under Rev. Sam'l P. Pressly, 
at Union Academy, in Abbeville District, S. C, where he 
also assisted in teaching. He then went to Transylvania 
University at Lexington, Ky., from which he graduated 
with a class of forty-seven in 1823, honored for his piety 
and scholarship. 

He had dedicated himself to the Gospel ministry, and 
on his return home finding that the family had united 
with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, he 
joined with them. As his father had died and he was 
needed at home, he studied Theology privately with the 
Rev. John T. Pressly, and was licensed by the Second 
Presbytery, March 4, 1826. 

He was at once sent on an exploring and evangelistic 
tour through the then thinly settled West and Southwest. 
He traveled over four thousand miles on horseback, over 
the mountains, through the Indian country, through the 
wilderness, visiting the scattered settlements of Presby- 
terians and preaching to them. He was gone for a year, 
and experienced many thrilling; adventures, escaping 
many perils and showing the heroic stuff of which his 
spirit was formed. As he reached home he found the 
congregation gathered to hear Dr. Pressly preach his 
funeral. They had not heard from him for many 
months and were sure he was dead. During this jour- 
ney he was stricken with fever in Florida. His life 
was despaired of when an old Scotch Highlander visited 
hjjm and prayed earnestly for him in Gaelic. He began 
at once to improve and always felt that his recovery 
was in answer to that prayer. 

On the 3rd day of November, 1827, 'he was ordained 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



83 



to the full work of the ministry. Soon afterward he 
was married to Miss Hannah McMullen, a woman of 
sterling character, of deep piety, of refinement and cul- 
ture, who proved to be a helpmeet indeed. They came 
to Lincoln Co., Tenn., where he began his work of life, 
with two feeble organizations. Delicate health so inter- 
fered with his efforts that his active ministry was only 
for twenty years. Yet in that time he preached the Gos- 
pel so earnestly and was so faithful in pastoral visiting 
that he gathered over four hundred into his churches. 

His preaching was scholarly, yet simple and plain. 
While he held strenuously to the Calvinistic doctrines, 
yet he made everything lead to Christ as a living, per- 
sonal Saviour and God owned and blessed his work. 

He early realized the need of a high class school in the 
community, and so he established and for years con- 
ducted a classical academy at his home, Viney Grove. 
He was a fine teacher, able to impart knowledge, to 
train his pupils to think and to inspire enthusiasm in 
them. Many students came to him from Tennessee and 
the neighboring States, and his students have filled im- 
portant positions in church and State. 

But after awhile ill health forced him to give up teach- 
ing and for a number of years he was an invalid. But 
even then his influence was very great as an adviser 
and comforter. He delighted as long as he was able to 
visit the sick and afflicted and pray with them. 

In 1874 the end came and the summons found him 
fully ready. His end was not only peace but triumph. 
He entered his rest with the praise of God's grace on his 
lips and the light of God's countenance brightening his 
face. His whole life was a glorifying of Christ and his 
death was a going to be with Christ. 

Bryson, John Henry, D. D. — Was a son of the Rev. 
Henry Bryson, D. D., and was born at Fayetteville, 
Tenn., April 3, 1831. He took his literary and Theo- 



8 4 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



logical course at Erskine College, Due West, S. C, and 
Newburgh, N. Y. He was ordained in 1855 and spent 
a year in evangelistic labor in Kentucky and Tennessee. 
He was then installed pastor of Hopewell Associate Re- 
formed Presbyterian Church, Maury County. It was a 
strong church and his work was very effective there until 
the beginning of the civil war. He was appointed in the 
Southern Army and finally became Chaplain of Hardee's 
Corps, in the Army of Tennessee. He was abundant in 
labors for the soldiers, and was one of the most effective 
chaplains. 

After the war closed, he was called to the Presbyterian 
Church at Shelbyville, Tenn., and he was received into the 
Presbyterian Church. Thenceforward he was one of the 
leading ministers of that denomination. He was pastor 
at Shelbyville from 1868 to 1872. He then spent a year of 
study at the University of Virginia. He was pastor at Co- 
lumbia, S. C, from 1873 to 1876, was delegate to the Pan- 
Presbyterian Council at Edinburgh in 1877, and then 
spent a year in travel in Egypt and Palestine. 

In 1 88 1 he became pastor of Huntsville, Ala., where he 
remained to the end of his days, for 16 years. 

Dr. Bryson was moderator of the General Assembly 
of the Southern Presbyterian Church at Augusta, Ga., in 
1886. Was one of the committee of the Southern As- 
sembly to arrange terms of fraternity with the Dutch Re- 
formed Church. 

He was a preacher of great power and a man of very 
lovable character. Pie won the devotion of his people by 
his unselfish labors for their welfare. He was absolutely 
fearless in the discharge of his duty. He was a man of 
large public spirit. The citizens of Huntsville called on 
him frequently to use his influence in behalf of civic enter- 
prises of moment. Especially had he studied the Nica- 
raugua Canal question, and delivered a remarkable ad- 
dress before the Legislature of Tennessee at their request. 

For more than a year before his death his health was 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



85 



failing. Refusing to allow him to resign, his people did 
all they could for him. But on Feb. ist, 1897, he entered 
into rest, mourned by the whole community. The church 
at Huntsville, in honor of his character and work, have 
erected a chapel to his memory, placed a beautiful memo- 
rial window in the church and furnished a reading room 
in the Alabama Orphanage in his name. 

Bryson, Peter, Col. — Son of Henry and Violet Bryson, 
was born in Laurens Co., S. C, Feb. 19, 1838. He had 
no opportunity to go to school. He joined the church at 
Bethany, Miss., during Rev. J. L. Young's pastorate, per- 
haps in 1854. He was received as a student of Theology 
in May, 1884, by the Memphis Presbytery, studied The- 
ology under Rev. Samuel A. Agnew, D. D., and was li- 
censed at Mt. Paran, Tenn., Sept 13, 1884, by the Mem- 
phis Presbytery and was ordained by a commission of this 
Presbytery at Salem, Tenn, on Saturday before the 5th 
Sabbath of May, 1887. 

He preached two years in Lee Co., Miss., and since 
then has been the virtual pastor of Hebron, Tenn., tho' 
he was never installed, and there he continues to labor, 
fulfilling a long cherished desire — to preach the Gospel. 
Without education, his familiarity with the Word of God 
is remarkable. He is able to repeat from ^memory practi- 
cally all the Metrical Psalms, and many other portions of 
the Scripture, and there is spiritual discernment of the 
truth. Humble and pious in life, he is devoted to his 
High Calling in Christ, laboring faithfully among his 
people, his living being not wholly of the Gospel, but 
largely by his own hands. 

He was married about 1864 at Rev. J. L. Young's, to 
Sallie Young, daughter of Joseph and Dicey Young. 
Eleven children were born to them. One of his daughters 
was educated at the United Presbyterian College in 
Knoxville, Tenn., and taught school for some time. She 
died in 1902. 



86 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Brown, James Montgomery, D. D. — Was of Scotch 
descent, a son of Samuel Brown, born in Lincoln Co., 
Tenn., Nov. n, 1834. He was reared in the bounds of 
Prosperity, attended Viney Grove Academy and joined 
Bethel in 1853. After three years in Erskine College, he 
graduated in the class of 1856, and from the Theological 
Seminary in 1857. The Tenn. Presbytery licensed him 
to preach that year, and he supplied churches in Tennes- 
see and Kentucky Presbyteries until Oct., 1858. At that 
time Synod sent him to Arkansas to labor under the di- 
rection of the Memphis Presbytery. 

He was ordained by the Tennessee Presbytery before 
entering upon this mission. He became pastor of Mon- 
ticello, and Mt. Zion in 1859, but demitted the former 
the next year. He continued to serve Mt. Zion as pastor 
for half time until 1884. The other half of his time was 
given largely to evangelistic work, — a work in which he 
took great delight. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confed- 
erate service, in the 29th Arkansas infantry, and was 
soon elected chaplain and historian of his regiment. In 
this capacity he served faithfully until his regiment was 
disbanded at Marshall, Texas, in May, 1865. 

When the army went into action he always carried his 
musket as a private soldier. He had many thrilling ex- 
periences and narrow escapes. After the close of the 
war, he returned to his pastorate. In the fall of 1867 he 
and the Mt. Zion congregation changed their connection 
to the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. From that time 
until 1900 he served his presbytery as evangelist, devot- 
ing a part or all of his time to this work. When failing 
health compelled him to resign this work, his presbytery, 
after adopting a series of very complimentary resolu- 
tions, conferred on him the unique title "Evangelist Emer- 
itus of Pine Bluff Presbytery." He received the degree 
of D. D. from the Presbyterian College at Batesville, Ark. 

He died at his home, Fordyce, Ark., Jan. 7, 1903. Dr. 
Brown was possessed of superior social qualities. His 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



87 



preaching was scriptural and his style well adapted to 
evangelistic work. He was married to Miss Sarah Ellen 
Marshall, daughter of William Marshall, an elder in Mt. 
Olivet, Ky, Oct. 25, 1859. She died March 14, 1862, 
leaving one daughter. He married Miss Mary Susan, 
daughter of Dr. Robert Harper, an elder in Mt. Zion, 
Oct. 13, 1863. Ten children were born to his second 
wife, two of whom became ministers in the Presbyterian 
Church in the U. S., viz. : E. D. Brown, A. M., president 
of Daniel Ba.ker College, Brownwood, Texas, and S. W. 
Brown, pastor of Ruston, La. 




Caldwell, Dallas Grier. — 
Son of Charles Allen Caldwell 
and Louise Jeannette Coch- 
rane, was born in Cabarras 
County, N. C, Feb. 19, 1856. 

Having access to good 
schools, his primary education 
was sound and thorough, and 
at an early age he entered 
upon his college course at 



rev. d. g. caldwell. Erskine College, being grad- 

uated from that institution at 
the age of seventeen. While a student at Erskine, he 
united with the church at Due West, S. C. 

In the fall of 1873, the year of his graduation, he be- 
came a student in Erskine Theological Seminary, was re- 
ceived as a student of Theology in the spring of 1874 
by the First Presbytery at Hopewell, S. C, and was grad- 
uated from the Seminary in the spring of 1875. In Sep- 
tember of that year he received license to preach from the 
First Presbytery, and was ordained in November, 1876, 
by a commission appointed by First Presbytery, at Ster- 
ling, N. C. After his ordination, he assisted Rev. W. B. 
Pressly in the Statesville field for several months, and 
during the next two years supplied at various times the 



88 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



following churches : Sterling and Amity, N. C. ; Hope- 
well, S. C. ; Huntersville, Gilead, and Prosperity, N. C. 

In 1879 he accepted a call to the pastorate of Gilead 
and Prosperity, N. C., and was installed in the spring of 
the same year. At the end of six years he became pastor 
of the church at Statesville, N. C., where he remained for 
six years longer. In 1891 he accepted a call to Neely's 
Creek, S. C., where he served a pastorate of three years. 

On the thirteenth of July, 1875, at Due West, S. C., 
he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Barksdale 
Sitton, daughter of James Young and Harriet Davis 
Sitton. Of the eight children born to them, five are liv- 
ing. 

Since 1893, he has occupied the chair of Latin and 
French in Erskine College. 



tery, in the city of Charlotte. He studied Theology at 
the Erskine Seminary, Due West, S. C. He was licensed 
to preach in April, 1900, by the First Presbytery, at 
Pisgah, N. C. - * ' ' 

He was ordained by a commission of Second Presby- 
tery in December, 1900. He began his ministerial labors 
at White Oak, Coweta County, Georgia, in June, 1900. 
He was called to be the pastor of this church in October 




Caldwell, Rev. Ira S. — 
Was born in Mecklenburg 
County, N. C, in 1872. 



His father was John H. 
Caldwell, his mother Miss 
Rose L. Hunter. He grad- 
uated at Erskine College 
in the class of 1897. He 
joined the church at Back 
Creek, N. C, in 1885. He 



1. s. 



CALDWELL. 



was received as a student 
of Theology in April, 
1898, by the First Presby- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



8 9 



of the same year, and was installed as pastor in Decem- 
ber. On Oct. 1 6th, 1901, he was married to Miss Car- 
rie Preston Bell. Her father's name was Richard Henry 
Bell and her mother's name was Miss Katharine Withers. 
They lived at Warenton, Virginia, where Mrs. Caldwell 
was born. Her great grandfather was a personal friend 
of LaFayette and served with him in the war of the Rev- 
olution. Rev. Caldwell served in the U. S. Army in 
Cuba during the Spanish American war. He has rare 
gifts as a preacher and is doing a splendid work in his 
chosen field. 

Calderhead, Ebenezer Brown. — Son of Rev. Alexan- 
der; born in Belmost Co., Ohio, Jan. 4th, 1810; was 
graduated at Franklin, 1836, and took a course in divin- 
ity at Allegheny, 1837; licensed by Steubenville Presby- 
tery, May 9th, 1840, and ordained by Second Ohio, Aug. 
11, 1841. Serving as pastor in Ohio till 1861, he came 
through the First A. R. Presbytery of Ohio into the 
Southern Synod. Passed to Western Missouri in 1869, 
and was living without charge in the U. P. church at 

Carson, Rev. John Woo- 
ten. — Was born March 8, 
1873, in Gaston Co., N. C, 
in the bounds of Pisgah 
congregation. He is a son 
of John B. and Nancy 
(Bigham) Carson. His 
mother was from Hope- 
well church, in Chester 
Co., S. C. 

At 12 years of age he 
was admitted to full mem- 
bership at Pisgah. He at- 
tended the High School in 
Gastonia two years, en- 




9 o 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



tered Erskine College in the Freshman Class Feb., 1895, 
and graduated with distinction in the class of 1898. He 
worked his way through College. Fie entered Erskine 
Theological Seminary in Oct., 1898; was received as a 
student of Theology by the 1st Presbytery at Winnsboro, 
S. C, April 3, 1899, and was licensed by the same Pres- 
bytery, at Pisgah, N. C, May 8, 1900. In June, 1900, 
he began work at Bethany and Pottsville, Ark. He was 
ordained by the Arkansas Presbytery at Zion, Nov. 3, 

1900, and installed pastor of Bethany and Pottsville, 
Nov. 6. He married Miss Nannie Crawford, Jan. 16, 

1 90 1. She was a daughter of J. T Crawford, of Pisgah 
congregation, N. C, and a graduate of the Due West 
Female College in the class of '96, and is a woman of 
culture and marked social gifts, and an ideal helpmeet to 
her husband. 

Mr. Carson is a man of fine personal address, a forcible 
Scriptural preacher, devoted to his great calling, and an 
enterprising and successful pastor. 

On Oct. 30th, Mr. Carson demitted Pottsville and 
Bethany to accept a call to Ebenezer, Miss., and was 
transferred to the Arkansas Presbytery. 




W. S. CASTLES. 




Castles, William Sam- 
uel. — Was the son of Wil- 
liam Lyles and Sarah 
Stirling Castles, and was 
born in York Co., S. C, 
May 2nd, i860. In his 
youth he was fond of read- 
ing and studying the Bible, 
which came to be a life 
long habit. He made a 
profession of religion and 
connected himself with 
Hopewell Church, S. C, 
June 5th, 1886. He was 
brought up on the farm 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



91 



and his educational advantages were limited. He en- 
tered the Sophomore class in Erskine College in 1883 
and graduated in 1886. His health was somewhat im- 
paired, and he spent several years in teaching before tak- 
ing up a profession. In Sept., 1889, he entered the U. P. 
Theological Seminary, in Allegheny, Pa. Sept., 1890, 
he joined the 1st A. R. P. Presbytery at King's Moun- 
tain. He finished his theological course in Erskine Theo- 
logical Seminary, and was licensed by the 1st A. R. Pres- 
bytery, at Union Church, Richburg, S. C, on April 7th, 
1891. The following July, he began preaching in the 
Virginia Presbytery at Bethel and Ebenezer. In the fall 
of the same year he went to Kentucky and preached 
eight months at New Hope, Hinkston and Ebenezer. In 
July, 1892, he began preaching for the churches in Lin- 
coln Co., Tenn., in the Tennessee and Alabama Presby- 
tery, and was received into that Presbytery by certifi- 
cate from the 1st A. R. Presbytery. Accepting a call 
from the united congregations of Bethel and New Hope, 
he was installed as pastor Nov. 2nd, 1893. He had been 
ordained by this Presbytery at its spring meeting April 
29th, 1893. The work prospered in his hands, and the 
two congregations became united in one, which erected a 
new and handsome church on the south bank of Elk 
River, and called it "Elk Valley Church." He demitted 
this charge Sept. 29th, 1894. He returned to Kentucky 
in December, and preached at New Hope until Mar. 15th, 
1895, when he went to Mt. Zion, Mo. Having received 
a call from that church, he was installed as pastor May 
16th, 1896. His work was short, for he died Feb. 16th, 
1897, in the full triumphs of a blessed faith. His last 
words were, "I see the great empire of the world open- 
ing up before me," and, raising both hands and looking 
upward with a smile upon his face, he passed to his re- 
ward. His body was taken to Hopewell, S. C, and bu- 
ried there. 

Mr. Castles was never married. He was much es- 



9 2 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



teemed by his brethren in the ministry. His people were 
greatly attached to him. He was in the prime of life, in 
his thirty-eighth year. A man of excellent spirits, a 
work-man that needeth not to be ashamed. 

Castles, James Robinson. — Son of Henry and Marga- 
ret (Sterling) Castles, was born in Fairfield Co., S. C, 
June 26th, 1823 ; was graduated at Erskine College Sept., 
1844. After a full course in Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary, the First Presbytery licensed him Nov. 11, 1846. 
For five years he did mission work in his Presbytery, 
making his home in Fairfield Co., S. C. 

Smyrna, York Co., and Sardis, Union Co., S. C, united 
in calling him and his ordination and installation occurred 
July 11, 1 85 1. From this charge he was released April 
15th, 1862, because of disease of the throat. 

He had the gravity of ministerial habits, presented the 
doctrines of grace in a clear, earnest, methodical and in- 
telligible manner. His was pre-eminently a Job-like suf- 
fering not only in bodily infirmity but in loss of estate 
through the war and security. His was a ^ministry of 
suffering. "The triumph of his faith in his last hours 
left the impression on all who witnessed them that he was 
one of those precious ones, whom God in his mysterious 
yet gracious providence had perfected through suffering." 

The Lord gave him a helpmeet in Miss Martha Watt, 
sister of the late Rev. J. B. Watt. "She was emphatical- 
ly a gift from the Lord as all will testify who knew 
any thing of her long and weary, but tender and sympa- 
thetic attentions to her afflicted husband during the long 
years of his suffering." 

Chalmers, James Clark. — Son of Capt. James and Pris- 
cilla (Clark) Chalmers, of Scotch-Irish descent, born 
in Newberry Co., S. C, April 26, 181 1. Being piously 
trained and thoroughly indoctrinated, he began the study 
of the languages, 183 1, in Newberry village, under his 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



93 



pastor, Rev. S. P. Pressly, and entered the State Uni- 
versity, Athens, Ga., 1834, and graduated Aug., 1836. 

He began the study of theology under Dr. E. E. 
Pressly, being, with Rev. L. McDonald, the first students 
to enter the infant Seminary at Due West. After two 
years the Second Presbytery granted him licensure Oct. 
5th, 1838. In one of his missionary journeys with Rev. 
Joseph McCreary they lodged one night with a family 
who were occupying a cabin in which a few months pre- 
vious an entire family were murdered by the Indians. 
Oct., 1839, he accepted a call from Generostee, Shiloh and 
Midway (Concord), Anderson Co., S. C, and was or- 
dained in April and installed in May, 1840. This charge 
necessitated much labor, Generostee and Midway being 
twenty miles apart and Shiloh ten miles distant. To re- 
pair his health Synod directed him to spend four months 
in south Georgia and Florida. This mission was fulfilled 
beginning November, 1844. Pleasant Grove, Decatur 
Co., Ga., was reorganized, other places refreshed and 
much good done. Midway was demitted in fall of 
1844, and soon after Shiloh almost in a body em- 
igrated to Mississippi and formed the present Hope- 
well. He continued half time at Generostee and 
the other half at destitute contiguous points. A 
part of the year *54-'55 was spent by order of Synod 
in collecting Endowments for Erskine College. The 
Synodical year '56-57 found him missionary to the 
city of Nashville, Tenn. That year the Presbytery not 
accepting his resignation and being about to engage in 
mission work at his over charges, a call came to him from 
Steel Creek, N. C, and the installation took place Oct. 
29, 1858, and the resignation Sept. 6, 1881, because of 
serious and protracted physical inability. Having re- 
moved June, 1883, to Winnsboro, S. C., he ceased from 
his labors and entered on his reward July 7, 1887. 

As a preacher he was plain, practical and Scriptural ; 
his powers in the pulpit were above the average. In fact 



94 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



when he was in the prime of life he was regarded as a 
revival preacher ; his sermons were always prepared 
with great care and were delivered with animation, never 
prosy and always edifying. As a Presbyter he was at 
all times considered safe, always deliberate and cautious, 
never rash. One of the marked features was love for 
God's people. No man ever embraced more heartily the 
distinctive doctrines of the A. R. P. Church or adhered 
more rigidly to its practice but with charity for all. The 
colored people received a share of his ministrations. 

Synod called him to the Moderatorship in 1855. He 
was a faithful minister and punctual. In 43 years pas- 
torate 381 were received into the Church, 331 infants and 
55 adults baptized and 121 marriage ceremonies per- 
formed. Much of this fruitful ministry was doubtless 
due to his life companion, Mary Letitia Strong, born 
April 12, 1 82 1, and married Dec. 12, 1839. A woman of 
great devotion to her Church she had decided literary 
tastes, being the authoress of "The Harris Family." 

Nine children were born to them, all of whom except 
the youngest died in infancy. This one, the Benjamin, 
was spared to them and became the tireless worker, the 
master planer and builder, the skillful debater, the elo- 
quent, learned late John Thomas Chalmers, D. D. 

Chalmers, John Thomas, D. D. — Rev. John T. Chal- 
mers, D. D., was the son of Rev. James Clark Chalmers 
and Mary Letitia Strong, and was born in Mecklenburg 
Co., N. C, June 6th, i860. 

Dr. Chalmers is a descendant, on his mother's side, of 
John Harris and Elenor Reynolds, who were married in 
1754, in the Monaghan jail in Ireland, by the Rev. Dr. 
Thos. Clark. Dr. Clark at that time had been impris- 
oned for refusing to take the State Oath and to kiss the 
book. These young people of his congregation came to 
him in the jail, and were married by him. They soon 
afterwards came to America, and from this historic pair 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



95 



J. T. CHALMERS, 



has sprung a numerous 
progeny who have occupied 
useful and influential places 
in the A. R. P. and other 
churches in this country. 
In a sketch of the Harris 
family, published by Mrs. 
Mary Chalmers a few years' 
ago, it is stated that at that 
time there were forty-nine 
ministers descended from 
this pious and worthy pair, 
and one of these is Dr. 
Chalmers, the subject of 
this sketch. 

In 1875, at the age of fifteen, Mr. Chalmers entered 
Erskine College, and graduated in 1878. Soon after he 
graduated he commenced the study of theology under his 
father, and afterwards attended Erskine Seminary at 
Due West, S. C, and completed his course at Union Sem- 
inary, New York City. He was licensed by the First 
Presbytery at Steele Creek, N. C, April 6th 1880. 

Before leaving the Seminary he received calls from 
New York in the United Presbyterian Church, and also 
from North and South Carolina. He accepted the call 
from Winnsboro, S. C, and was ordained and installed 
at Winnsboro, April 28th, 1881. For nearly eleven years 
he was pastor there, and under his ministry the church 
prospered greatly, and his influence was great in the Pres- 
bytery and the Synod. In the fall of 189 1 he resigned 
his charge at Winnsboro, and in October of the same 
year, he became pastor of the Fourth United Presbyter- 
ian, Philadelphia, Pa., and continued there for four years. 
This is one of the largest churches of the U. P. Assem- 
bly, and under his pastorate it maintained its high stand- 
ard of excellence. While he was pastor there, he started 
a Sabbath School in 1892, with eleven pupils. In three 



9 6 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



years' this enterprise developed into a church with fifty 
members and a Sabbath School of two hundred and 
seventy-five members. To-day it is the Wharton Square 
Church, with several hundred members, and is one of the 
leading U. P. Churches of Philadelphia. Dr. Chalmers 
was attaining an eminent position in the U. P. Church, 
but he could not stand the severe climate, and he had to 
return to the South in 1895. On April 22nd, 1896, he 
was installed pastor of the A. R. P. Church at Charlotte, 
N. C, and so continued until his death on March 6th, 
1902. 

While he was pastor in Charlotte he opened a mission 
school, which soon grew into a congregation. He can- 
vassed the Synod for funds to build a church, and erected 
it, and it is now the East Avenue Church, with a pastor, 
a membership of two hundred and fifty and a Sabbath 
school of over three hundred pupils. 

While he was pastor in Winnsboro, he was for five 
years Associate Editor of the A. R. Presbyterian, and 
contributed more than six hundred articles to its columns. 
In 1900 he published a pamphlet entitled "Ten Reasons 
why the A. R. P. Church Adheres to an Inspired Psal- 
ter," which is said, by competent judges, to be one of the 
ablest papers on that subject. 

He was a popular lecturer of high order, and his 
efforts on the platform always met with the highest en- 
comiums from the people and the press. 

During the year 1884 he spent three months as a special 
agent of Erskine Theological Seminary, traveling over 
the Synod and raising an additional endowment of $25,- 
000. At the meeting of Synod in Charlotte, N. C, in 
1899, he was elected President of Erskine College to suc- 
ceed the late Dr. W. M. Grier, but he declined to accept 
it, preferring to remain in the pastorate. The degree of 
Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by the trustees 
of Monmouth College, in Illinois. 

Dr. Chalmers was twice married, first to Miss Johnnie 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



97 



Caroline Brice, of New Hope, Fairfield Co., S. C, on 
Oct. 26th, 1882. She was the daughter of John Brice and 
Agnes C. Strong, and was born Oct. 18th, 1863. Six 
children were the fruit of this marriage, four of whom 
survive. Mrs. Chalmers died Jan. 15th, 1893. His sec- 
ond marriage occurred Aug. 18th, 1897, to Miss Bessie 
Mitchell, a half sister of his first wife. She is the daugh- 
ter of Thos. P. and Agnes Mitchell and was born Aug. 
28th, 1870. Two children were born to her, who with 
their mother survive. About two years before his death, 
Dr. Chalmers developed pulmonary disease, and it was 
a sore battle with him until the end peacefully came. 

In Dec. 1900, accompanied by his wife and child he 
went to Mexico, and spent eight months in seeking to 
overcome his disease, but all that climate or medical skill 
could do, did not stay the destroyer. Surrounded by his 
sorrowing family, in the manse hard by the church 
of his love in Charlotte, N. C, he passed away March 6th, 
1902. His remains were taken to Winnsboro, S. C, and 
he now rests beside his father and mother, his first wife 
and two children, in the A. R. P. Cemetery at that place. 

Dr. Chalmers was a man of very remarkable gifts and 
endowments, and his death so early in life was a great 
loss to the Church. 

He was a finished scholar, a learned theologian, a pol- 
ished and eloquent orator in the pulpit or on the platform, 
a man of clear judgment, wonderful executive ability, 
indomitable energy, and a natural leader of men. To 
sit under his ministry was to feed on the deep as well as 
the practical things of the word, and to be his parishioner 
was to be a worker in the vineyard of the Master. Had 
he belonged to one of the large denominations of our 
country, he would have had a national fame. 

We shall not soon see his like again, and there was 
mourning all over the Church on the day that he received 
his crown. 



7 



9 8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Clark, Thomas. — Has been called the father of the A. 
R. P. Church in the South. Little is known of his pa- 
rentage, birthplace and early education, except that he 
was born in Scotland, of pious parents and brought up 
under most hallowed influences. 

"After a thorough course of study he graduated at the 
University of Glasgow, there received the degree of M. 
D., and in the war against the Pretender in 1745 and 
1746, did faithful service in the army. The earliest pub- 
lic mention made of him is in connection with the first 
meeting of the Associate Burgher Synod at Sterling, 
Scotland, in June 16, 1747." At that meeting the Presby- 
tery of Glasgow took him on trial for license, and 
after studying at Sterling under Ebenezer Erskine, he 
was licensed to preach April, 1748. He accepted a call 
to Ballibay in Ireland, and was ordained and installed 
pastor of that congregation by a commission of Presby- 
tery July 23, 1 75 1. In the same year he and two others 
were organized under the title of the "Associate Presby- 
tery of Downs." This Presbytery later grew into a 
Synod. 

In 1754 he was imprisoned in Monaghan jail for 
alleged disloyalty to the King, but his incarceration was 
found to be false and he was released April 3, 1754. 

Dr. Clark now began to direct his thoughts to America, 
and on May 10, 1764, he sailed from Newry with 300 
people, landed safely, and settled down for sixteen years 
as pastor of the little colony located where Salem, N. Y., 
now stands. Some of his people having settled in Long 
Cane, Abbeville, S. C, in 1786 he removed to Cedar 
Spring and Long Cane, where he labored until his death, 
Dec. 26, 1792. 

Dr. Clark was a ready writer, both on doctrinal and 
practical subjects. He wrote an able defense of the 
Scripture Psalms for the worship of God. He was 
also the author of "a Pastoral and Farewell Letter," ad- 
dressed to his former charge in Ballibay. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



99 



In his labors at Long Cane, Dr. Clark found a broad 
field opened before him, and he was the man whom God 
had raised up for its successful cultivation. "With un- 
tiring zeal and entire consecration to his Master's work, 
he set himself to building up Christ's Kingdom in the 
wilderness, and "many were added to the Church of such 
as should be saved." 

Cochrane, Winslow Osborne, D. D.— He was born 
Sept. 29th, 1854, in Mecklenburg Co., N. C, in the 
bounds of Back Creek church. His father, William Law- 
son Cochrane, was a successful farmer and an elder in 
said church. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Su- 
san McCaleb, of Tennessee. 

He was brought up on the farm, but did not learn to 
love farming. His dislike for it, was so pronounced that 
at the age of seventeen his father decided to educate him 
for a profession. His early education was obtained in 
the district school, from which he went to Erskine Col- 
lege, where he graduated with honor in the class of 1877. 

He entered Erskine Theological Seminary in the fall 
of 1877, and completing his course was licensed by the 
First Presbytery of the Carolinas Sept. 1st, 1879, at 
Amity, N. C, Dr. E. E. Boyce officiating. 

The following December he was sent to the Kentucky 
Presbytery to supply New Hope and Ebenezer. He was 
ordained and installed pastor of these churches Sept. 17th, 
188 1. This relation continued until Sept. 13th, 1884, 
when it was dissolved at his own request, he having de- 
cided to transfer his membership to the Southern As- 
sembly Presbyterian Church. It was during his pastor- 
ate that the Ebenezer church erected a new and handsome 
house of worship. He is now pastor of the First Pres- 
byterian Church in Bristol, Tenn. The degree of D. D. 
was conferred upon him by King's College of that place 
in 1900. 

Dr. Cochran married Miss Macie B. Lee, daughter of 



L«fC 



100 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Prof. Jos. F. and Martha Brice Lee of Due West, S. C, 
June 27th, 1878. To them were born five children — four 
of whom are still living. 

Cochrane, James Brice. — Was born in. the bounds of 
Back Creek, Mecklenburg Co., N. C. ; was prepared for 
college at Huntersville High School, and graduated at 
Erskine, 1887. One year was spent at Erskine Divinity 
Hall, and the First Presbytery granted him license on 
condition that the course be completed June 5, 1888. That 
winter a course was taken at Allegheny U. P. Seminary, 
Pa. Mission work was done in the First Presbytery in 
the spring and summer of 1889. On the 24th of Oct., 
1889, he joined the Presbyterian church. 

Cree, John. — Was born in Perth, Scotland, 1754; grad- 
uated at Glasgow University, 1778; studied divinity in 
Associate Hall, under Rev. Wm. Moncrief ; was licensed 
in Scotland, 1786, and came to New York, 1790, and 
supplied the Associate Church in the city for a time. 

He was ordained and installed pastor of the Associate 
Presbyterian congregation of New York City, Oct. 12th, 
1792. Resigning this charge Oct. 10th, 1795, he became 
pastor of Ebenezer, Rockbridge Co., Va., 1796. This 
was demitted 1803 and July 5th, 1803, New Lebanon, 
West Va., presented to the Chartier's Presbytery a call 
for his services. This was declined and he began that 
year the stated supply of Fairfield and Donegal, West- 
moreland County, Pa. The death of this useful and 
pious pioneer minister of the Virginia Presbytery, of 
whom we would love to know more, occurred April 1, 
1806. 

Cruz, Gauolalupe. — Son of Sr. Domingo Cruz and 
Juanna Guevara was born on the 12th of December, 1839, 
on the rancho de las Palomas, near El Maiz, State of 
San Luis Potosi. Raised in the Romish Church, as a 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS, 



IOI 



child, he was piously inclined. His early training was 
sadly neglected; he never went to school, and what in- 
struction he received was from his father, and by read- 
ing such books as he could from time to time obtain. His 
father was being educated for the priesthood, but aban- 
doned his purpose on account of the dogma of celibacy 
practiced in the Romish Church. 

When about fifty years of age, Sr. Cruz became in- 
terested in the Gospel under the ministry of Rev. J. S. 
A. Hunter, and he made a public profession of faith and 
was baptized at El Maiz in 1890. 

In that same year he began a course of study under 
Rev. J. S. A. Hunter, preparatory to work as an evangel- 
ist. ATter two years of study he was licensed by the 
Tampico Presbytery at Chiconcillo, State of Vera Cruz in 
1892. He labored in the Italian Colony and in the ad- 
jacent ranchos for about seven years. He was ordained 
by the Tampico Presbytery at Tampico in 1895. 

In 1899 he was sent to Alequines, State of San Luis 
Potosi, where he had been stationed for three years. He 
has been married three times. The present wife, Sra. 
Gila Zalazar de Cruz, was before marriage the teacher 
of the Girl's School for several years at Chiconcillo and 
Palo Blanco. 

He is most zealous in his endeavors to extend the Mas- 
ter's kingdom and his most effectual work is done from 
house to house, reading the Scriptures, and in conversa- 
tions. He is familiar with his Bible and is an interesting 
laborer in this pioneer work. 

Cruz, Rev. Crecenciano. — Son of Rev. G. Cruz and 
Sra. Juana Zuniga, was born at Charco Blanco, in the 
municipality of El Maiz, State of San Luis Potosi, on 
the 14th of Sept., 1875. He early manifested a dispo- 
sition to study and enjoyed such advantages as the mu- 
nicipal schools of his locality offered. From a child he 
was piously inclined, but the teachings of the Catholic 



102 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Church did not appeal to his heart. He was blessed with 
a good memory, and after he came under the influence of 
the gospel, he would commit to memory whole chapters 
of the Bible, and in less than a year he had memorized 
the entire four gospels. 

The impressions that led to his conversion were re- 
ceived from Mr. and Mrs. Hunter at El Maiz, where he 
united with the church and was baptized in 1891. 

At the age of eighteen years, he was sent to the United 
States and entered Huntersville High School under the 
direction of Rev. Dr. W. W. Orr to learn English. After 
acquiring a sufficient knowledge of English, he went to 
the Preparatory School at Erskine College, and pursued 
a special course of study. On the completion of this 
course he entered Erskine Seminary in 1896, and grad- 
uated with the class of 1898. He was licensed to preach 
by the Second Presbytery of the A. R. P. Church at 
Generostee, Anderson Co., S. C, in 1898. At the close 
of his training he returned to his native country, being 
transferred to the Tampico Presbytery in Mexico. Work 
was assigned him at Valles in the southern part of the 
State of San Luis Potosi, which he began in 1899, and at 
this point he is still located. 

In 1900 he was ordained to the full work of the minis- 
try by the Tampico Presbytery at its annual meeting in 
Tampico. Mr. Cruz is an earnest preacher, but the 
bearer of Gospel tidings in Mexico has so much opposi-, 
tion that his congregation is small and the work hampered 
by the ignorance and fanaticism of four centuries. He 
wedded Sra. Enidina Gonzalez of Valles in 1900. They 
have no children. 

Dale, Mrs. Katherine Neel, M. D. — Heredity and en- 
vironment, two recognized agencies, show their results 
in the development of character and fitness for active life, 
as well as in the growth of a physical organism. It has 
been asserted by the author, Oliver Wendell Holmes, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



103 




that the time to begin med- 
ical treatment of a sick 
man is a hundred years 
before his birth. If this 
statement is accepted, it is 
reasonable that no bio- 
graphy is complete without 
some reference to ances- 
tors and progenitors. 



MRS. DALE. 



Mrs. Katherine Neel 
Dale's grandfather, Dr. 
George Pressly, was a 
noted physician of his day, 
as well as a pillar in the 
A. R. P. Church. She 
has an uncle and cousins 



in the same profession. Her father and brother are 
successful physicians and an honor to their profes- 
sion; and it was natural that the granddaughter and 
daughter of physicians, in choosing a professional life, 
should be influenced to the same profession. 

Mrs. Katherine Dale, M. D., is the daughter of James 
David Neel, M. D., and Margaret Elizabeth Pressly, and 
was born at Troy, Abbeville Co., S. C, on the 13th of 
August, 1872. At the age of fourteen years, she was 
brought to Christ and identified herself with the Church 
of her fathers at Troy, S. C. Her primary education was 
received in the schools near her home, and she graduated 
from Due West Female College, Due West, S. C, in 
1892. The following year, she dedicated her life and 
work to the service of God in a foreign field and by the 
Board she was appointed to the Mexican field. Feeling 
herself called to the Medical Work, she took a full course 
at the Woman's Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., and 
was graduated in 1897. She spent one year as Resident 
Physician in the hospital of same institution. Eminently 
qualified for the discharge of her duties she came to the 
scene of her labors in 1899, selecting El Maiz, in the State 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



of San Luis Potosi, Republic of Mexico, where her sis- 
ter was located, as her temporary home, and there began 
the study of the Spanish language. From the beginning 
her professional services were sought and soon she was 
burdened with a large practice. 

On the 30th of June 1900, she was wedded to Rev. J. 
G. Dale at El Maiz. With her husband she is located in 
Villa Fernandez, State of San Luis Potosi, and is actively 
engaged in her profession. The afternoons are given to 
charity cases, and before the hour for this work, a crowd 
is gathered awaiting the opening of the reception room. 
Her husband avails himself of the opportunity to read 
some appropriate Scripture, making a practical applica- 
tion of it, then a prayer. After this prayer the patients 
go into the consulting room, one at a time, while Mr. 
Dale attends to their spiritual needs, presenting the Gos- 
pel to those who await their turn. Dr. Dale has a wide 
field and large opportunities for good, and she is doing a 
good work. She is the mother of two children, Jessie 
Dale and Belle Dale. 

Dale, Rev. James Gary. 
—Was born at Oak Hill, 
Ala., June 21, 1870. His 
parents were William 
Bonner and Sarah Cole 
Dale. 

Religious influences of 
home and church early af- 
fected his young mind, so 
that his parents rejoiced 
to see him developing as 
a beautiful olive plant. 

At nine years he 
seemed to have some pre- 
sentiment of his future 
work. He selected Rom. 5:8 for text, and prepared a 
sermon, fine, perhaps, for a boy. His selection of a text 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



105 



was good, and gives a clue to what was then preoccupy- 
ing his soul. 

When about twelve, he joined Bethel Church, under 
the pastorate of Rev. H. M. Henry. 

About the age of fifteen, he dreamed that he was for- 
ever lost, which produced such effect upon his life that he 
fixed it as the date of his conversion. He may be mis- 
taken. The writer never likes to place the date of con- 
version after joining the Church, for it leaves the latter 
important act in life, either empty, or hypocritic. The 
fear of being lost is not inconsistent with the converted 
state, nor does a spiritual change for the better always 
fix the date of conversion. In some, the new life begins 
so early and gently that the date cannot be determined. 

Mr. Dale spent several years in school at Oak Hill. 
During 1885-6, he attended the public High School of 
St. Louis, Mo. He took a good stand in Erskine College, 
and graduated with the degree B. A., 1892. 

He attended the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, 1893, 
and there the Holy Spirit convicted him of spiritual bar- 
renness, and began in him strivings after the Christ life. 

He was received as student of theology by the Alle- 
gheny Presbytery in the Sixth U. P. Church of Allegheny, 
Pa. He pursued his studies in the U. P. Theological 
Seminary of the same city. 

He was licensed May 15, 1896, by the Allegheny Pres- 
bytery at Oak Grove, Pa. 

The Board of Home Missions selected Mr. Dale as 
a suitable person to commence mission work in Columbia. 
S. C. He entered the city July 22, 1896. On the 26th 
he preached in the Y. M. C. A. Hall. This was the first 
public service, as far as known, celebrated in Columbia 
under the auspices of the Associate Reformed Church. 

Rev. Mr. Dale was ordained Sept. 22, 1896, at New 
Hope, S. C, by the First Presbytery. 

Although giving satisfaction in Columbia, yet he felt 
constrained by the spirit to go as a foreign missionary, 



io6 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



when the opportunity offered. At Synod, Chester, S. C, 
1898, he agreeably surprised the brethren by offering his 
services under direction of the Board, but receiving for 
support what God might give him through voluntary con- 
tributions. The Synod replied by standing vote : "That 
we accept with gratitude to God the offer of Bro. Dale of 
himself as a Foreign Missionary, and pledge him our most 
cordial sympathy." He appeared, Oct. 9, 1899, in Rio 
Verde, Mexico. 

He was chosen to initiate a preparatory and theological 
seminary; which he opened Jan. 14, 1902, in Rio Verde. 

May 30, 1902, Rev. Mr. Dale entered into matrimony 
with the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Dr. 
James David and Margaret Elizabeth Neel. She was then 
medical missionary, and still continues the functions of 
her chosen profession. God has given them a son and 
daughter to cheer their home and missionary life. They 
seem to be just entering upon a long career of usefulness. 



ing under his uncle, Mr. A. D. Kestler, and his brother- 
in-law, Rev. J. M. Grier, pastor of the A. R. P. congre- 
gation of King's Mt, N. C. Having spent four years 




R. C. DAVIDSON. 



Davidson, Robert Clay- 
ton. — To Robert Quincy 
and Jane Elizabeth 
(Brown) Davidson, was 
born a son July 18th, 
1864, in New Perth con- 
gregation, Iredell Co., N. 
C. Of honorable and pi- 
ous parentage, he was early 
and conscientiously trained 
both at home and by his 
pastor, Dr. J. E. Pressly. 
His decision, at 22, to en- 
ter the ministry led him 
to seek preparatory train- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



in Erskine College, he graduated in 1896, and two years 
in the Seminary, was licensed by the Second Presbytery 
April 9th, 1898. About July 1, 1898, he was sent to New 
Lebanon, West Va., where he spent some two months 
and the two following in Louisville, Ky., at the conclu- 
sion of which he was happily married, Nov. 10, 1898, to 
Miss Rebecca Catherine Williams, of New Lebanon, 
West Va. The Second Presbytery ordained him to the 
full work -of the ministry Jan. 26, 1899. Supplying 
Moresville and Coddle Creek, Iredell Co., N. C, some 
time previous, he was installed at the former May 23rd, 
at the latter May 24th, 1901. 

This brother is cautious and prudent, gentle and diffi- 
dent. With fine diction, with pleasing manners, with 
studious habits and with growing pulpit eloquence, these 
all, crowned with a love of souls and a longing to save 
men, open before him a bright prospect. 

Davis, Samuel Pickens. — Son of Israel Pickens and 
Sarah (Nisbet) Davis, was born May 30, 181 7, in Wax- 
haw, Union Co., N. C. Studying awhile under Rev. R. 
C. Grier at Union Academy, he spent 1838 at Franklin 
College, Columbia, Tenn., 1839, in an academy near, and 
entered Erskine College, 1840, graduating 1842 in the 
first class. 

After a full course in Erskine Divinity Hall the Second 
Presbytery granted him license Sept. 27, 1844. Preach- 
ing that winter in North Mississippi and Tennessee, he 
returned in May, 1845, an d took in Erskine Hall a post 
graduate course. The next year was spent preaching at 
Harmony, Edgefield Co., S. C, except two months. 
Synod sent him to north Mississippi in the fall of 1846, 
the Second Presbytery having ordained him March 28th 
preceeding, and he was installed pastor of Ebenezer, 
Tippah Co., and Shiloh, LaFayette Co., Miss., in the fall 
of 1847. This relation was dissolved in the spring of 
1850. He then taught for some ten years at Lowndesville, 



io8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Abbeville Co., S. C, and beginning in 1859 for a few 
years at Hopewell, Newton Co., Ga. He enlisted in 1864 
in 4th Reg. Co. B of the Georgia Militia and served till 
the end of the war. Teaching was resumed till prevented 
by cataract of the eyes. The Synod of 1871 sent him to 
north Arkansas for one year. His life was linked Sept. 
1 8th, 1845, in his early minstry, with Miss Sarah Eliza, 
sister of Rev. D. F. Haddon. He resided on and man- 
aged his farm in Georgia from 1859 till June 11, 1896, the 
death of his wife, when his home was made with his 
eldest son, Melville, Covington, Ga. Here being tenderly 
cared for the fifteen months of his last sickness he 
departed this life Feb. 19, 1903. 

Davis, Thomas Dickson. — Born in Chester Co., S. C, 
Dec. 26, 1832, was a son of Lusk Davis and Margaret 
Crosby. His educational opportunities were such as the 
country afforded at that time. He graduated at Erskine 
College in 1856. He joined Salem, Tenn., A. R. church 
and was received as a student of Theology at Bethany, 
Lee Co., Miss., September, 1856. Studied Theology 
two years at Oxford, and one at Monmouth, and was 
licensed „to preach by Memphis Presbytery at Salem 
Church, Tipton Co., Tenn., in April, 1858. Was or- 
dained by the Kansas U. P. Presbytery, 1861. As a li- 
centiate he ministered in Arkansas and Texas about nine 
months, then went to Kansas and preached in a Mission 
four years. Then was pastor of Hopewell, Perry Co., 
Illinois, four years ; pastor at Ironton, Mo., four years ; 
Providence, Cass Co., 111., four years; Camp Point, 
Adams Co., 111., seven years ; Missionary at Large in the 
Upper Peninsula of Michigan, two years ; pastor at 
Hopewell, Otoe Co., Nebraska, seven years, and pastor 
at large in Topeka, Kansas, G. A. Presbyterian Presby- 
tery, where he has resided for ten years. 

He was married at Camp Point, 111., March 21, 1876, 
to Miss Ella W. Harrington, a daughter of Alfred 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Loomis Harrington and Julia Augusta Collins. She was 
born in Quincy, 111., Sept. 27, 1852. She has borne him 
two children — a son, Alfred C, and a daughter, 
Edith E. 

Dickson, William. — Was born in Ireland about 1760, 
received his literary and part of his theological training 
in Scotland, studying divinity under the celebrated John 
Brown of Haddington. About this time he was seized by 
a British recruiting ship and press gang on passage be- 
tween Ireland and Scotland. Here compelled to do ser- 
vice as a common sailor for several months, his discharge 
was at length secured through the influence of an Irish 
nobleman. Emigrating as a teacher to S. C, he was re- 
ceived by the A. R. Presbytery of the Carolinas and Ga., 
1794, and finishing his course under Rev Peter McMul- 
lan, pastor of Due West, S. C, he was licensed by this 
court, March 7, 1795, their first licentiate. Cedar Springs 
and Long' Cane, Abbeville Co., S. C, in June that same 
year solicited his services as stated supply on Oct. 12. 
This was declined. He was ordained and installed pastor 
of Bethany and Sharon, York Co., S. C, and Pisgah, 
Gaston Co., N. C, June 5th, 1797. 

He sympathized with Rev. Peter McMullan when sus- 
pended and went with his congregations into the Associate 
Presbytery of the Carolinas Sept. 2d, 1802. In his 
charge including Carmel there were in 18 19 one hundred 
and fifty families and three hundred and fifty members. 
In this large parish covering a large part of York Co., S. 
C, and Gaston Co., N. C, this devoted minister labored 
earnestly and successfully till the infirmities of age neces- 
itated his resignation, March 26th, 1828. His coronation 
day was Nov. — ■ 1831. Father Dickson builded wiser 
than he knew. There are now within the bounds he cul- 
tivated some thirteen Psalm singing congregations. 



no 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Dickson, Rev. Joseph Alexander, D. D. — The only 
child of Joseph A. Dickson, M. D., and Nancy Bell, was 
born in Dickson Co., Tenn., Sept. 9, 1835. His parents 
died while he was quite young. 

He graduated from Erskine College in 1854. Married 
Miss Mary Katherine McCain, Sept. 15, 1855. She was 
a daughter of William Ross and Margaret McCain, of 
Salem, Tipton Co., Tenn. He became a member of 
Salem Church in 185 1. His theological studies were 
prosecuted one year in Erskine Theological Seminary. 

The Memphis Presbytery received him as student of 
theology Sept. 5, 1857, licensed him at Salem, Tenn., 
April 24, 1858. During that summer he preached in 
Mississippi, and the following winter continued his stud- 
ies under direction of Rev. John Wilson. He was or- 
dained at Salem, Tenn., at a called meeting of Presbytery. 
Oct. 22, 1859. He supplied vacancies in Holmes and 
Madison Counties, Miss., in '59 and '60. In i860 he 
moved to Monticello, Ark. He was installed pastor of 
the Church at that place in 1861. This relation continued 
until 1866. During that year he connected himself with 
the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A part of his con- 
gregation followed him. He served as pastor of Presbyter- 
ian churches in Monticello, Ark., Millersburg, Ky., Pine 
Bluff, and Hot Springs, Ark. ; received the degree of D. 
D. from Richmond, Ky., and represented his Church 
twice in the Pan Presbyterian Council. His wife died 
Feb. 6, 1892. In March, 1894, he married Mrs. Venie 
Triggerson, who died July 6, 1902. One son, E. M. 
Dickson, became a prominent lawyer in Paris, Ky. 

Douglass, Rev. James Calvin. — Was born Feb. 27, 
1866, in Fairfield Co., S. C, and reared in New Hope 
congregation. He was a son of John S. and Margaret 
(Boyce) Douglass. He received his classical education 
in the University of S. C, and Erskine College. He 
spent the year, Oct., '95, to June, '96, in Erskine Theo- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Ill 




logical Seminary, and was 
licensed by the First Pres- 
bytery in Gastonia, N. C, 
April 7, 1896. In June, 
'96, by the direction of the 
Board of Home Missions, 
he began supplying the 
churches at Russellville, 
and Zion, in the Arkansas 
Presbytery. On the 23rd 
of Oct., he accepted a call 



from these churches. The 
Arkansas Presbytery or- 
dained and installed him 
j. c. douglass. pastor at Russellville, Nov. 

13. '96. 

He was installed at Zion soon afterward. This proved 
to be a happy and prosperous settlement, but was unfor- 
tunately of short duration. Mr. Douglass took sick 
while at Zion on his monthly trip, returned to Russell- 
ville quite sick, and died a few days later, June 14, 1900. 
He was buried a tNew Hope, S. C. Nov. 3, '97, he was 
happily married to Miss Willie Kirkpatrick. She was 
a graduate of the Due West Female College of the class 
of '92, and oldest daughter of Rev. A. G. Kirkpatrick, 
who was at that time pastor of New Hope, S. C. After 
her husband's death, Mrs. Douglass associated herself 
with her father in the management of a school for girls at 
Jones Seminary, All Healing, N. C. The Synod in 1902 
at Pisgah, N. C., appointed her a missionary to Mexico. 
He was buried at New Hope, S. C., Nov. 3, '97, he was 
a worker full of zeal, and enterprise, and was remarkably 
successful in winning men. He had a winning person- 
ality, and was a fine preacher — both in manner and mat- 
ter. He seemed to hunger for souls and few opportuni- 
ties to reach and influence the unsaved were suffered to 
escape him. 



112 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




L. I. ECHOLS. 



Echols, Lemuel, Isham. 
— Was born Dec. 23rd, 
1868, near Elk Valley 
Church, Lincoln Co., 
Tenn. His parents were 
William J. Echols and 
Frances Barnes Echols. 
At the age of twelve he, 
with his parents, moved to 
Ebenezer, Lincoln Co., 
Ark. After four years, 
they moved again, going 
to Richland, Navarro Co., 
Texas. He enjoyed lim- 
ited educational opportu- 



nities in the common schools. He studied six months 
under Rev. W. L. Patterson, and then taught for a time. 
He spent a year at the South Western University, George- 
town, Texas. He again studied privately and taught 
until Sept., 1894, when he entered Erskine College. 

He graduated in 1897, an d was received as a student 
of Theology by the Texas Presbytery in Sept. 1893 at 
Frisco Church near Paris. He studied Theology at Due 
West. He joined the Church in 1883, at Ebenezer 
Church, Ark. He was the first student licensed under 
the provision of Synod allowing licensure at the end of 
first year. He was licensed to preach by Second Pres- 
bytery May 28, 1898. He preached for four months, 
during 1896, at Chicota and Frisco, and then returned to 
the college and seminary. He was ordained by the Texas 
Presbytery at Harmony, Sept. 17th, 1897. In the fall of 
1897 he labored in the Kentucky Presbytery, remaining 
in the bounds of this Presbytery about two years. On 
June 7th, 1899, he was married at Due West to Miss 
Margaret Todd. Her parents were James R. and Jane L. 
Todd. She was born at Enoree, Laurens Co., S. C, Feb. 
7th, 1873. They have one child. In December 1900 Rev. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



113 




MRS. EDWARDS. 



Echols began preaching at Hopewell and Fairview in 
Newton Co.,Ga. He was installed pastor January, 1902, 
continues in this field, where his labors are received with 
great acceptance. 

Edwards, Mrs. Amelia 
Brown.^Ncxt to knowing 
a true, patient, working 
woman in the Lord's ser- 
vice, is the satisfaction ex- 
perienced in knowing the 
formative influence under 
which she has devel- 
oped, the difficulties she 
has overcome, the steps 
by which she has ad- 
vanced, and the elements 
that are working to suc- 
cess. 

To satisfy this desire, the following sketch of Mrs. 
Amelia Brown Edwards has been penned. She is a 
South Carolinian by birth, her home being in Anderson, 
in the county of the same name. She is the daughter of 
Elijah Webb Brown and Mary Francis Hubbard, and 
was born the 16th of September, 1869. Mrs. Edwards 
had the advantages of the schools in Anderson, and grad- 
uated from the Anderson Female College in 1886, while 
Gen. Luis M. Ayer was President of that institution. 

While yet a girl she identified herself with the G. A. 
P. Church and had for her pastor Dr. D. E. Frierson. 
On the completion of her college course, she made Art a 
specialty, prosecuting her studies in the Anderson Female 
College, and afterwards in New York City. She taught 
"for a short time in the State of Texas, whence she was 
chosen teacher of Art for the Due West Female College 
at Due West, S. C, in the year 1891. This position she 
filled with honor and credit to her talent for two sessions. 
8 



ii4 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



An acquaintance with Rev. John R. Edwards during 
the period of her stay at Due West ripened into friend- 
ship, developed into love and culminated in marriage, 
and Miss Amelia Ball Brown became Mrs. Edwards on 
the 30th of October, 1893. 

A few weeks after this happy union she accompanied 
her husband as a missionary of the A. R. P. Church to 
Mexico. Mrs. Edwards is an ardent supporter of the 
distinctive principles of her adopted Church, and is in 
hearty sympathy and active co-operation with her hus- 
band in all of his work. 

The first five months of their missionary life was 
spent at El Maiz, State of San Luis Potosi. They were 
assigned to Rio Verde, State of San Luis Potosi by the 
Board of Foreign Missions and arrived on the scene of 
their labors the 10th of May, 1894. As soon as they be- 
gan their active work, the condition of poor children 
appealed to her heart and one girl was selected and then 
another, until an orphanage in embryo was begun. The 
want of means and a home was all that circumscribed 
her longing to do more. To this work her energies and 
prayers have been bent. God has heard these prayers 
and means have come, and a lot of about two acres has 
been bought and donated by Rev. J. P. Erwin. An 
Orphanage has been erected on it. The building is two 
stories and measures 40x45 feet, the gift of Mr. E. B. 
Chester of Rives, Tenn., a memorial to his wife. 

In this Home of the fatherless are twelve girls, the 
objects of her daily care. Their temporal and spiritual 
care is the care of her mother heart. 

Mrs. Edwards is the mother of five children : John 
Roddy, Frank, Ralph William, Florence Brennan and 
Margaret Virginia. She is in the prime of life, in full 
vigor and truly consecrated to her Christian work. 

Edwards, John Roddey. — Son of Dr. E. H. and Mrs. 
A. E. Edwards, born near Rock Hill, S. C, May 30, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



115 




J. R. EDWARDS. 



1867. He was baptized in 
infancy by Rev L. McDon- 
ald and professed Christ 
at Due West, S. C, Oct. 
16, 1 88 1. A graduate of 
Erskine College, June, 
1888, entering her Divinity 
Second Presbytery licensed 
him Sept. 20, 1890. An- 
other year was spent in the 
Seminary, the course being 
finished June, 1891. The 
Board of Home Missions 
sent him, Nov., 1891-Nov., 



1892, to the important Mission of Bartow, Fla. 

The Board of Foreign Missions assigned him the high 
honor of missionary in the Mexican field in the fall of 

1893. A post graduate course being taken at Princeton 
he reached Mexico, December, 1893. After a residence 
of five months with Rev. J. S. Hunter of Del Maiz, 
a new mission was opened up at Rio Verde, S. L. P., and 
he entered it May 10, 1894. Being virgin soil for Pro- 
testantism his work there has been blessed. Forty have 
been received into the Church and four infants baptized, 
a chapel has been built at Rio Verde and one at Fernan- 
dez. There are now (1903) 17 families and 32 members. 

On the 30th of October, 1893, he was happily married 
to Miss Amelia B. Brown of Anderson, S. C. Soon af- 
ter entering the field her heart went out to the homeless 
orphans and in an humble way began the work by taking 
some into her home. Rev. J. P. Erwin of Rosemark, 
Tenn., donated a plot of land and Mr. E. B. Chester of 
Rives, Tenn., gave $1,000 in memory of his sainted wife 
and the Hattie May Chester Home was completed early 
in 1903. 



Il6 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

Elder, Matthew — r-Was born near Cornwallis, in Ches- 
ter Co., S. C, one and a half miles west of Hopewell 
Church, on Jan. 3rd, 1813. He was the son of Mat- 
thew Elder and Jennie McKay, who were married in 
County Antrim, Ireland, and came immediately to this 
country. 

Mr. Elder was reared in Hopewell Church, of which 
his parents were members. His preparatory education 
was received in the schools of the community, and his 
collegiate course was taken in the State University of 
Indiana, from which institution he was graduated in 1840. 
He had the ministery in view even in his college course, 
for the last year he was in the University he studied 
Paul's Epistles in Greek under Dr. Wylie. In Jan., 1841, 
he began teaching school at Fishing Creek Church, and 
studying theology privately under Rev. Messrs. Warren 
Flenniken and L. McDonald. 

At the meeting of the First Presbytery in April, 1841, 
he was received as a student of theology, and preached a 
trial sermon which was sustained, and he was directed to 
proceed with his studies. About the first of Jan., 1842, 
he went to Due West, S. C, and continued his studies 
until the last of March, when he was stricken down by a 
severe spinal affection, from which he never recovered, 
and which laid him aside from the active work of the 
ministry. He was at times a great sufferer, but lived to 
a good old age, respected and honored by all who knew 
him. Most of his life was spent in teaching, and he 
was a master in the art, and a fine scholar. He left his 
impress on many young men and women of his day. He 
died at his home, near Guthriesville, York Co., S. C. Dec. 
15th, 1892, and is buried at Cedar Shoals Church, in 
Chester Co., S. C. 

Although Mr. Elder was never a licensed minister, 
owing to his bodily afflictions, yet his name well deserves 
to be treasured in this volume, for the Church never had a 
truer friend, nor one more loyal to her principles than he. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



117 



Ellis, Augustus Elmore. — Was born April 26th, 1826, 
near Due West, S. C. He was the son of John Ely and 
Elizabeth Wright Ellis. He was one of seventeen chil- 
dren, all but one of whom lived to be grown. His early 
educational opportunities were fairly good. He labored 
on the farm more or less until he entered college. He 
graduated from Erskine in 1845. Was received as a stu- 
dent of theology on the 29th of March, 1845. He was 
licensed to preach by the Second Presbytery a^t Due West, 
Sept. 14, 1846. He labored for a time as a domestic mis- 
sionary in Kentucky. He afterwards became pastor of 
a small church in DeKalb Co., Ga. He was also at the 
head of a nourishing school at this church. He went to 
Georgia in 1847 or '4^- He preached more or less in va- 
rious places in that State. He married Miss Mary Ann 
Ellis Dec. 23rd, 1847. She was the daughter of John L. 
and Mahala Ellis, of Due West, S. C. She was one of 
four sisters who married A. R. P. ministers. Mrs. Ellis 
was the mother of four children. Mrs. Ellis died April 
2nd, 1899. Her husband died Nov. 1st, 1855. 



the Seminary June, '93. 
The Second Presbytery licensed him May, 18, '93. From 
July, '93, to Oct., '94, was stated supply of Bloomington 




Ellis, Rev. McClintock 
Todd.— Son of W. T. and 



M. T. ELLIS. 



Henrietta (Carwile) El- 
lis, was born May 12, 
1870, three miles south of 
Due West, S. C. He 
joined the church of Due 
West on his 13th birthday. 
He took a regular course 
in Erskine College, enter- 
ing the Preparatory de- 
partment Oct, '85, and 
graduating June. '91. He 
completed his course in 



n8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



(Brighton), Beulah, and Mt. Paran churches, in the 
Memphis Presbytery. From Oct., '94, to Aug., '95, sup- 
plied Ora, Providence, Head Spring, (Laurens), and 
Generostee, in the Second Presbytery. August and Sep- 
tember, '95, he supplied Prosperity and New Hope, in 
the Arkansas Presbytery. Sept. 30 he received six per- 
sons into New Hope church, his first converts. The Sec- 
ond Presbytery ordained him Oct. 28, '95, and the Ar- 
kansas Presbytery installed him pastor of Prosperity and 
New Hope, Jan.' 25, '96. He was happily married to 
Miss Lois A. Murphy at Brighton, Tenn., May 12, '97, 
daughter of Rev. H. L. and Martha (Hearst) Murphy. 
He was elected Clerk of the Arkansas Presbytery, April 
1 8th, 1896. 



were industrious and economical, and soon obtained a 
competency. 

Jno. P. was a muscular youth, ambitious and persever- 
ing, a a bundle of energy," as his teacher put it. He de- 
lighted in boyish sports and pastimes and was diligent as 
a student. He had but little opportunity to go to school 
until his 19th year. 




J. P. ERWIN. 



Erwin, John Pressly. — 
Was born Feb. 20, 1845, i n 
Tipton Co., Tenn. His 
father, Davis Erwin, and 
his mother, Mary Pru- 
dence Flenniken (sister of 
Rev. Warren Flenniken), 
had but lately come from 
their native State, North 
Carolina, and Sardis A. R. 
P. church. Though they 
were almost destitute of 
means when they reached 
Tennessee and could bare- 
, ly read and write, they 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



II 9 



In a skirmish at New Hope, Ga., 1864, he lost his right 
arm. For ten months he worked on Saturdays and in va- 
cation for books and clothing. At the end of this period 
he was able to teach a common school. In 1866 he was 
elected Treasurer of Tipton Co., and held the office for 
6 years. He merchandized at Porterville, Tenn., from 
1870 to 1878, when he removed to Atoka. 

On Dec. 25, 1866, he was happily married to Nancy 
Wilson, daughter of David and Mary (McCreight) 
Wilson. 

When about 12 years old, through kind, timely words 
by his mother, he was powerfully convicted of sin and 
soon after joined Salem Church. It was about this time 
also he was filled; with a desire to preach the Gospel, but 
ignorance, poverty, nor debts and ill-health seemed to 
bar the way. Continuing to pray, labor and wait, God 
eventually removed the obstacles. In the spring of 1884 
he was received as a student of Theology by the Mem- 
phis Presbytery, at Bethany, Miss., and directed to study 
under Rev. J. H. Strong. August 2d following he 
preached his first sermon and his first trial before Presby- 
tery, at Mt. Paron. 

Entering the Theological Seminary at Due West, S. C, 
he spent one year. In the fall of 1885 he was licensed 
at Shiloh, Miss., by Memphis Presbytery and was or- 
dered by Synod to Arkansas Presbytery. He preached 
for a while at Ebenezer, in Yell Co. He was called to 
Ebenezer and was ordained and installed by the Arkansas 
Presbytery in 1887. He served this congregation till 
1892, when on account of his health failing he gave up 
his charge. Returning to his farm in Tennessee, and 
having regained his health in part he labored at Mt. Car- 
mel, Miss., from 1894 to 1899, which he gave up on ac- 
count of poor health. 

Mr. Erwin accumulated some means, and has been a 
regular and liberal contributor to every enterprise of the 
Church for many years. He is an advocate of the tithe 



120 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



system, but now gives much more than his tithe. His 
income from the ministry was never more than half, and 
often not over one fourth the annual expenditure, and yet 
he has always had plenty. But he regrets not the sac- 
rifice for Him, "who hath counted him worthy, putting 
him into the ministry." 

Ewart, William Cameron. — Rev. W. C. Ewart was 
born at Huntersville, N. C, Sept. 19th, 1864, and is the 
son of Robert Knox Ewart and Nancy Ann Beard. En- 
tering Erskine College, he graduated in June, 1892, and 
having joined the First Presbytery and prosecuted his 
studies in Erskine Seminary, he was licensed by the 
same at Charlotte, N. C, in April, 1892. He was or- 
dained and installed pastor 
of Edgmoor and Shiloh in 
July, 1892, and continued 
pastor of these churches 
for a little over four years, 
when he gave up Edg- 
moor, and was called to 
Lancaster for half his 
time, and has been pastor 
oi Shiloh and Lancaster 
ever since. 

Mr. Ewart was married 
in July, 1892, to Miss 
Lucia W. Reid, of Store- 
ville, S. C, who bore him 
four children, and died in August, 1900. Mrs. Ewart 
was the daughter of James A. and Marilla 
Reid, and was born near Abbeville, S. C, Dec 31st, 
1871. 

He was married the second time, Nov. 12th, 1902, to 
Miss Rachel Alice Ross of Columbia, S. C. She was 
born near Sharon, S. C, Jan. 5th, 1859, and is the daugh- 
ter of the late Rev. R. A. Ross, D. D., so well known in 
the Church. 




W. C. EWART. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



121 



Finley, John William. — He was the son of James and 
Mary Ramsey Finley, and was born July 17th, 1825, in 
Shelby Co., Ky. Removed with his father's family to 
Lincoln County, Mo., in 1829. His early education was 
received in the common school near his home. Took a 
regular college course in the University of Mis- 
souri, and graduated from this institution July 4th, 

1853- 

He was received as a student of theology by the Ken- 
tucky Presbytery April 4, 1855, at Hinkston, Ky., having 
already spent one session in the Theological Seminary 
in Alleghany, Pa. Studied for a time under direction of 
Rev. S. S. Ralston and then returned to Seminary in Al- 
leghany. He was licensed by the Kentucky Presbytery 
at Clarksburg, Ind., April 10th, 1857. He was assigned 
work among the vacancies in Tennessee, Kentucky and 
Missouri. He was taken sick at Mt. Olivet, Ky., and 
being troubled with hemorrhage from the lungs was ad- 
vised by his physician to give up public speaking, to 
which he reluctantly . assented. He was given a certi- 
ficate May 7th, 1867, to connect with the U. P. 
Church. 

He still lives at Auburn, Mo. He was never 
married. He never used the certificate given him 
by the Presbytery, but became a private member 
of Mt. Zion Church, of which he is a liberal sup- 
porter. He makes his home with his nephew, 
R. F. Wilson, three or four miles from this 
church. 

Flenniken, Warren. — Rev. Warren Flenniken was the 
son of John Flenniken and Mary Reid, and was born in 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C, Jan. 9th. 1805. 

He graduated at Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, in 
1829, and in the same year joined the First Presbytery 
as a student of theology. His theological course was 
taken, in part, under each of the following ministers : 



122 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Rev. Isaac Grier, D. D., Rev. James Lowry and Rev. 
Samuel Pressly. He was licensed in November, 183 1, 
and in November, 1832, was ordained and installed pas- 
tor of Union and Hopewell congregations, in Chester 
Co., S. C. In 1837, he demitted the Union branch of his 
charge, and continued to labor in Hopewell, until, on ac- 
count of ill health, he resigned the pastoral charge of 
Hopewell in 1848. 

Until the fall of 1850 he was able to preach occasional- 
ly, but after that time his disease, consumption, laid him 
on his bed, and he died July 31st, 1851, and his body 
lies in the graveyard at Hopewell. 

Mr. Flenniken was a very gifted man in many ways, 
and as a preacher was very popular, and was always a 
leader in all good works, and he left his impress on the 
people of Hopewell, which lives even until this day.. 

Mr. Flenniken was married in November, 1832, in 
Abbeville Co., S. C, to Miss Jane Hearst Pressly, the 
daughter of Samuel Pressly, M. D., and Elizabeth 
Hearst. She was born in Abbeville Co., S. C, Feb. 14th, 
1812, and is the mother of six children, two of 
whom are still living. Mrs. Flenniken, afterwards 
married Mr. Thos. Torbit of Chester, S. C, and 
after his death she removed to Winnsboro, S. C, 
and makes her home with her son, W. H. Flenni- 
ken. At this writing she is still living, at the good old 
age of ninety-one years. 

Galloway, Jonathan. — Was born Feb. nth, 1810, in 
York Co., S. C. His father was Alexander Galloway, 
his mother's maiden name was Miss Mary Millen. He 
enjoyed good educational opportunities. He graduated 
from Jackson College, Columbia, Tenn., in 1830 or 1831. 
He was received as a student of Theology Nov. 10th, 
1 83 1. He was received by the 1st Presbytery at Hope- 
well, S. C. The Synod had no Theological Seminary at 
that time; he, therefore, studied under Dr. John Hemp- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



123 





hill and Dr. Isaac Grier. 
He was licensed at Hope- 
well, Chester Co., S. C, in 
1833, ;iq company with 
Rev. Warren Flenniken. 
He did some missionary 
work in Tennessee. He 



11 



J. GALLOWAY. 



I was then, in 1835, called 
? by four churches : Head 
Springs, King's Creek, 
Prosperity and Cannon's 
Creek. He was ordained 
Nov., 1835, and in April, 
1830, he was installed. He 
was pastor of three of these 



churches for nineteen years. He gave up his pastoral 
work on account of declining health. On the 4th of De- 
cember, 1838, he was married to Miss Martha Speer, a 
daughter of John Speer, of Abbeville Co., S. C. Her 
mother's name was Miss Elizabeth Caldwell. The 
Speers and Caldwells both descended from a distin- 
guished ancestry. They had seven children, among them 
Dr. J. C. Galloway, of Gastonia, N. C, and Mrs. Mary E. 
Giffen, the first missionary of the A. R. P. Church. Mrs. 
Galloway was born near Lowndsville, S. C, Aug. 16th, 
1814. She died at Due West, May 23rd, 1896. 

Rev. Jonathan Galloway was a distinguished preacher 
in his day. If space permitted much could be said of his 
ability and attainments. No less was he noted for per- 
sonal piety. The conception of the Due West Female 
College originated with him. He longed for the day 
when the daughters of the Church as well as her sons 
might be educated under her influence. And towards 
this end he labored early and late. His labors were 
crowned with success. He was the first person chosen 
President of the Female College. But on account of 
feeble health, he declined. He died March 3rd, 1879. 



124 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Galloway, Jonathan Caldwell 3 D. D. — Rev. J. C. Gal- 
loway, D. D., is the son of Rev. Jonathan Galloway and 
Martha Speer, and was born in Newberry Co., S. C., 
July 7th, 185 1. His education was received in the schools 
at Due West, S. C., graduating from Erskine College in 
1 87 1. He was received as a student of theology by the 
Second Presbytery at King's Creek, S. C, Aug., 1871, 
and prosecuted his studies in Erskine Seminary, being 
licensed* by the Second Presbytery at Generostee, S. C, 



together the remnants of the church there. In May 
of 1878, he was installed over Bethel and Louisville 
churches in Georgia, and continued pastor there for 
about eight years. In Oct., 1884, he was sent by the 
Synod to take charge of the mission in Charlotte, N. C, 
and spent a year in that work. In Nov., 1885, he was 
installed over Yorkville and Tirzah, in S. C, remaining 
pastor of these churches for nine years. In Dec, 1894, 
he removed to Gastonia, N. C, and became pastor of 
Gastonia and Pisgah churches, giving half his time to 
each church. In January, 1901, he gave up the Pisgah 




J. C. GALLOWAY, D. D. 



Sept., 1873. He was or- 
dained by the Second Pres- 
bytery in Thompson St. 
Church, Newberry, S. C, 
April, 1876. The first year 
of his ministerial life was 
spent in Kentucky, at Eb- 
enezer and Flemingsburg, 
and the following year he 
took a post graduate course 
in the Seminary at Due 
West, preaching thereafter 
for a few months at Lodi- 
mont, S. C, and Louis- 
ville, Ga. In April, 1876, 
he was sent to Louisville, 
Ky-, for two months, to get 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



branch of his charge, and was called for the whole of 
his time to Gastonia, where he still remains. 

Mr. Galloway has been twice married. First, to Miss 
Josie Brice, the daughter of the late Rev. R. W. Brice, 
of Hopewell, S. C. They were married Jan. 23rd, 1879, 
and she died July 23rd, 1887, leaving three children. 
The second marriage was to Miss Blanche McKemy, of 
Monmouth, Va., June 6th, 1889. Mr. Galloway re- 
ceived his degree of Doctor of Divinity from Erskine 
College in 1898. He edited "The Life and Letters of 
Mrs. Giffen." Mrs. Giffen was his sister and the pioneer 
foreign missionary of the A. R. Synod of the South; 
and by the appointment of Synod he is the editor of the 
"Centennial Volume." He has represented his church 
at the meeting of the United Presbyterian General As- 
sembly as fraternal delegate, and also as a delegate to 
the Pan-Presbyterian Council. 

He has been a member of the Board of the College, 
the Seminary, and Home Missions, and is at present the 
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Seminary, 
and of Home Missions. 

Galloway, Robert Milieu. — Was born in York County, 
S. C, December 25, 1796. His mother's name was Mary 
Millen and his father's Alexander Galloway. 

He graduated at the University of North Carolina in 
1820, was received as a student of theology in the fall 
of 1822, and licensed in fall of 1824. He was sent im- 
mediately to Tennessee. He was ordained and installed 
pastor of Hopewell and Union in Maury Co., Tenn., in 
the summer of 1825, Revs. Wm. Blackstocks and Isaac 
Grier riding on horseback some 500 miles to officiate. 
He had charge of Hopewell for a number of years and 
was pastor of that church at the time of his death. In 
September, 1839, he demitted the Union branch of his 
charge. 

He was Moderator of Synod at Bethel, Ga., in 1828. 



126 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



The Presbytery of Tennessee was organized at Salem, 
Tipton Co., Tenn., April 24, 1837, and with this Presby- 
tery he and his congregation became connected. His 
Synod and Presbytery were both to meet at his church in 
October, 1840. But in the strange providence of God, 
during the sessions of the Presbytery and three days be- 
fore the meeting of Synod he was introduced to a higher 
court. The Report of the Tennessee Presbytery to 
Synod contains the following minute : "On this evening 
our beloved brother, R. M. Galloway, departed to the 
world of spirits. He appeared to leave us in the tri- 
umphs of the Gospel he had preached to others. Some 
few days ago he remarked to one of our number that he 
longed to depart and be with Christ and had no desire 
to remain except to be useful to his family and people. 
The Presbytery being constituted we adjourned and went 
immediately to his house where, with feelings of the 
highest sympathy, accompanied with Christian resigna- 
tion we witnessed his departure. We feel that we have 
lost a friend and brother and yet he is not lost, for ne 
being dead yet speaketh.' " He died Oct. 9, 1840, and 
was laid to rest in Hopewell cemetery. He was loved 
and respected by his congregation and friends generally, 
and was a devoted Christian. 

He was married by the Rev. Henry Bryson of Lin- 
coln Co., Tenn., to Miss Eliza Ann Leetch, a daughter 
of James Leetch, a native of Ireland who came to North 
Carolina. She was born Jan. 6, 181 1, and died Jan. 13, 

1873- 

There were four children born to them. James Millen, 
born Sept. 26, 1830, a minister of the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian Church 44 years of his life, died Dec. 3, 1898. 
Mary Ann, died in infancy. Samuel Marcus, born June 
4, 1835, died Oct. 2, 1837, near Chattanooga, Tenn., 
Sarah Jane, born April 12, 1839, the only surviving 
member of the family. She is now Mrs. J. H. McLean 
of Shawn Mound, Henry Co., Mo. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



127 



Garrison, James Mack. — Rev. J. M. Garrison is the 
son of Samuel A. Garrison and Elizabeth J. Hunter, 
and was born in Mecklenburg Co., N. C., May 1st, i860. 
He graduated at Erskine College in 1888, and in Sep- 
tember of the same year was received as a student of 
theology by the First Presbytery at New Stirling, N. 
C. His theological course was taken at Erskine and at 
Princeton Seminary, and he was licensed by the First 
Presbytery at King's Mountain, N. C., April 8th, 1890. 

In Jan., 1892, he was 
called to be pastor of the 
church at King's Moun- 
tain, N. C., and was or- 
dained and installed April 
27th, 1892. He has been 
pastor there for eleven 
years, and during the time 
the church has grown and 
prospered ; they have built 
an elegant modern church 
and provided a comfortable 
manse for the pastor. 
Mr. Garrison was mar- 

J. M. GARRISON. ried $ ept ^ jg^ ifl the 

church at Broad Creek, Va., to Miss Francis Nair, the 
daughter of George William and Margaret Jane Nair. 
Mrs. Garrison was born in Rockbridge Co., Va., Aug. 
1st, 1864. 

Giffen, Mrs. Mary Galloway. — Daughter of Rev. Jona- 
than and Martha Speer Galloway, was born in Newberry 
County, S. C, Dec. 8th, 1842. Her early education was 
secured in the common schools, and later in a high school 
in the town of Newberry, under the tuition of Prof. Wil- 
liam Hood. Even in childhood she gave evidences of 
that mental alertness, diligent application, thoroughness 
and love of knowledge which characterized her maturer 
years. 




128 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




On account of throat 
affection, Rev. Jonathan 
Galloway was forced to re- 
sign his pastorate in 1857, 
and soon afterwards re- 
moved to Due West, that 
he might avail himself of 
the institutions there. 



MRS. GIFFEN. 



The subject of this 
sketch entered the junior 
class in the Due West Fe- 
male College, then under 
the presidency of Dr. J. I. 
Bonner. At the age of 
eighteen she graduated 



from this institution, having won the highest distinctions 
and leaving behind a record of unusual excellence in all 
departments of study. But her education was not finished ; 
it was only fairly begun. The foundation was laid 
upon which she continued to build through life a 
superstructure of large and fair proportions. With 
an unsatisfied craving for knowledge her mind sought 
communion with the noblest and best spirits in 
literature. Her contributions to the press, which 
began in early womanhood, gave evidence of a 
breadth of information and refinement of culture 
that commanded general attention and excited enthusi- 
astic admiration. 

Mrs. Giffen's religious life began in 1864, or 
at least, this is the date of her profession of faith 
and connection with the Church. The cultivation 
of her soul was entered upon with the same ardor 
that had characterized the discipline of her mental 
faculties. She became a diligent student of the 
Bible and of other books that make plain the 
way of life. A meagre and superficial knowledge 
of divine truth did not content. She earnestly 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



129 



sought for a full, clear, satisfying theoretical and 
experimental knowledge of the truths and doctrines 
of God's word. And as a result of her ardent 
search there was a rapid growth in the knowledge of 
divine truth, and a beautiful and symmetrical de- 
velopment of Christian character. The love of 
Christ laid a mighty constraint upon her, and 
she eagerly sought to find some service by which 
she might express her love for Him. Just at this 
juncture she was providentially led to read biogra- 
phies of some of the eminent missionaries in for- 
eign lands, and her sympathies were deeply moved for 
the millions in heathen lands. 

Scarcely had the clouds of civil war lifted when 
she began zealously to seek appointment to foreign 
missionary service. The Associate Reformed Pres- 
byterian Church was so disorganized and impov- 
erished by the war that the thought of embarking 
in foreign mission work could not be entertained. 
Application was therefore made to the United 
Presbyterian Church for the appointment, but there 
was no opening. Accepting this as a providential 
indication of the divine will, Mrs. GifTen decided 
to devote her life to teaching, and at once began 
to execute this purpose. Her success in the school- 
room was marked. To this work she dedicated 
without reserve all her splendid resources of mind 
and heart. Exact scholarship, unflagging energy, 
an ardent temperament, an enthusiastic love of 
truth and a power to excite it in others — these fur- 
nished an equipment that insured success of no ordi- 
nary kind. 

She was still teaching in Texas and forming 
large plans for missionary work among the needy 
and neglected population of the far Southwest 
when the call came to become the representative 
of her denomination in Egypt in co-operation with 



9 



13° 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



the United Presbyterian Church. The magnitude 
of the work and the sacrifices which it demanded 
might well have seemed appalling. It is impos- 
sible for us, with conditions so greatly changed, 
to see the matter from her point of view. But when 
convinced that the call was from God she hes- 
itated no longer. Her decision lacked nothing 
of the heroic, and it sent a thrill of joy and 
admiration to the furtherest extremes of the Church. 
An interest in foreign missions, such as had 
never been known among us, was speedily mani- 
fested. That decision marked an epoch in the 
history of the Associate Reformed Church; it was 
the beginning of a new age. The impulse given 
to the cause of missions by the hand of wo- 
man is still felt in our little Zion. May it never 
wane ! 

On Feb. 10, 1875, Mrs. Giffen, with two other mission- 
aries, Messrs. Giffen and Alexander, took ship at New 
York. On the voyage across the Atlantic, on the journey 
across the continent of Europe, and during the year of 
missionary service, she sent frequent letters to the As- 
sociate Refortned Presbyterian. These letters, edited by 
her brother, Rev. J. C. Galloway, D. D., have been 
published in one volume under the title "Life and 
Letters of Mrs. Giffen." They are splendid specimens of 
epistolary literature. 

Of Mrs. Giffen's missionary labors little can be said 
here. After the remarkably short period of eight 
months in the study of the language, she began work in 
the schoolroom at Mansoora, and for six years devoted 
herself with unsparing diligence and fidelity to the cause 
to which she had dedicated her life. The larger part of 
this period was spent in educational work at Asyoot. 

She was married June 5th, 1876, to Rev. John Giffen 
Three children were born to them. Bruce J., who has 
now taken up his mother's fallen mantle and is a mission- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



ary in Egypt; Margaret S., now Mrs. Fred Phifer, of 
Statesville, N. C, and Marion G., at present a student in 
Erskine College. 

Mrs. Giffen fell on sleep at Cairo, Oct. 16th, 1881, and 
her dust rests in the land for which she gave her life, 
awaiting "the resurrection of the Just." 

Good, John Walter. — Son of James Alexander and 
Martha Minerva Good, was born Feb. 13, 1879, near Ar- 
gyle, Tenn. At the age of ten he made a profession of 
religion at Prosperity, Lincoln Co., Tenn. At the age 
of 17 entering the Training School of Prof. R. K. Mor- 
gan, Howell, Tenn., a three years' course was taken. A 
two years' course was taken at Erskine College, where 
his degree of A. B. was taken June, 1902. Prior to this 
he taught a year with Profs. Morgan and Peoples in Fay- 
etteville, Tenn. 

Leaving the farm at 17 he supported himself in his 
preparation for the seminary in Due West, where he is 
pursuing his studies. 

Gordon, Gilbert. — The oldest son of John and Sarah 
McCurry Gordon, was born in Elbert County, Ga., Dec. 
13th, 181 1. His early days were spent in the quiet se- 
clusion of his father's farm near the Savannah River. 
The parents were members of Generostee A. R. church, 
across the river from his home in Anderson County, S. C. 
He was brought up with pious care, and in due time be- 
came a member of the same church. 

His classical education was obtained in Miami Univer- 
sity, where he graduated in 1836. He studied Theology 
in the Seminary at Due West, S. C, and was licensed 
by the Second A. R. Presbytery April 4th, 1840. He 
visited and preached in the vacant churches in the West 
until Oct., 1 841, when he was sent by Synod to Ken- 
tucky with his brother, Rev. N. M. Gordon. They were 
sent in answer to a petition for supplies of preaching 



132 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



from churches in Bath and Jessamine Counties, which 
had withdrawn from the Synod of the West on account 
of differences on the subject of slavery. In December 
of the following year a Presbytery was organized in con- 
nection with the Synod of the South. March 4th, 1843, 
he received a call from Mt. Olivet in Bath County, which 
he accepted and was installed as pastor on Saturday be- 
fore the Fall Communion service, the same year. In 
1847, f° r several years, he supplied the Church at Flem- 
ingsburg, and also organized a church at Clarksburg, 
Ind., Sept. 8th, 1848, which he continued occasionally 
to supply. The pastoral relation with Mt. Olivet was 
dissolved Sept. 10th, 1852. At the same meeting of Pres- 
bytery he was authorized to begin preaching in Louis- 
ville, and on Jan. 6th, 1854, a church was organized 
there. He was appointed by Presbytery to solicit funds 
in the other churches to assist in building a house of wor- 
ship. Much of his time was occupied in this work. A 
call was made out for him and he was installed as pastor 
Dec. 16th, 1859. 

Becoming dissatisfied with the prospects of the church, 
he with a majority of the ministers of the Presby- 
tery, changed his connection and joined the Southern 
Presbyterian Church on Oct. 13th, 1870. He jmission- 
ated among the churches in McHenry County, and also 
at Lagrange and Westport. Then removed to Florida 
and died at Orlando on the 10th of August, 1887. 

Mr. Gordon married Charlotte, daughter of Rev. 
Peter Montfort, Oxford, O., in 1842. They had no 
children, but adopted one, who is now Rev. C. M. Gordon 
of Wallace, Va. Mrs. Gordon died July 5th, 1901. Mr. 
Gordon was editor of the "Scottish Presbyterian/' a 
monthly periodical, published first in 1859 and running 
through several years. His grand parents came to this 
country from Scotland. He was financially successful 
and had great influence with the people among whom he 
labored. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



133 



Gordon, Neal, McDougal. — Was the son of John and 
Sarah Margaret McCurry Gordon, and was born Nov. 
13th, 1 81 3, in Elbert County, Ga. With his father's fam- 
ily he attended church at Generostee, Anderson Co., S. C, 
of which he became a member early in life. 

He was of delicate constitution from his childhood. 
His nervous temperament and quick temper was more 
than overbalanced by his generous, affectionate disposi- 
tion. He was naturally fond of books, which his pa- 
rents encouraged, and was given the best opportunities 
the common schools afforded. Entering Miami Univer- 
sity, Oxford, O., he graduated there with the honors of 
his class in 1836, and soon afterwards began the study 
of Theology in Erskine Theological Sdminary, Due 
West, S. C. In 1839 ne was elected Professor of Lan- 
guages in Clark and Erskine Seminary, in which position 
he served only one year. He was licensed by the Sec- 
ond A. R. Presbytery at an adjourned meeting, just after 
a meeting of Synod at Bethel, Tenn., Oct. 8th, 1840, and 
ordained by the same Presbytery Oct. 13, 1841, in North 
Carolina. 

The first year after his licensure was spent among the 
vacant churches, about six months being at Hopewell, 
Maury Co., Tenn. In October, 1841, he was sent to 
the destitute churches in Kentucky, which field he 
reached Dec. 5th, 1841. He was installed as pastor of 
Ebenezer, May 13th, 1843, and Shelby ville Aug. 16th, 
1843. In 1846 he sought release from the Shelbyville 
branch of his charge, but Presbytery did not grant it. 
This relation was continued until Oct. 13th, 1870. In 
1846 he was appointed by his Presbytery delegate to the 
Presbyterian Council, which met in London, England, 
which meeting he attended. 

In 1848 the Synod attempted to train colored men to 
be sent as missionaries to Africa. Three young men 
were placed in school for that purpose and Rev. N. M. 
Gordon was put in charge of the school at his home in 



134 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Jessamine Co., Ky. Two of the boys proved to be moral- 
ly and one intellectually unfit for the work, and the effort 
was abandoned in 1853, and never revived. 

Oct. 13th, 1870, Mr. Gordon with the majority of his 
congregation changed his Church connection to the 
Southern Presbyterian Church. His death occurred 
shortly afterwards for he died March 19, 1871. 

Mr. Gordon was a man of deep piety and solid literary 
attainments. In 1856 he published "Alleghan," a poem 
in nine books. In 1864 he published a pamphlet entitled 
"The Purpose of the Book of Psalms." He was an able 
minister of the Word. 

Mr. Gordon was twice married. His first wife was 
Martha Jane Harris. He was married at the home of her 
brother, Henry Harris, Maury Co., Tenn., Nov. 18, 1841. 
She died in Kentucky, Nov. 8th, 1845, an d left no chil- 
dren, her only child, a daughter, having died in 1844. 

He was married again Jan. 1st, 1849, to Catherine, 
daughter of Dr. James Smith, a prominent minister in 
the Cumberland and afterwards in the Old School Pres- 
byterian Church. She became the mother of six chil- 
dren. She died Nov. 9th, 1888. 




A. H. GRIFFITH. 



Griffith, Rev. Aaron 
Henderson. — Oldest son 
of J. Walker and Lula I. 
(Grier) Griffith, was born 
Aug. 14, 1875, in Meck- 
lenburg Co., N. C, in the 
bounds of Ebenezer con- 
gregation. He received 
his education in Erskine 
College. He taught school 
one year, after his Junior 
year in the Seminary, 
1899. He graduated from 
the Seminary at Due West, 
S. C., June, 1900. The 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



135 



First Presbytery licensed him at Pisgah, N. C, May 8, 
1900. From June to Oct., 1900, he supplied Hickory 
Spring and Shady Grove, in the Arkansas Presbytery. 

He was ordained by the First Presbytery in Charlotte, 
N. C, Dec .11, 1900. Under direction of the Board of 
Home Missions, he took up the work in Little Rock and 
Jacksonville, Ark., Dec. 20, 1900. The Mission pros- 
pered, and in Oct., 1902, the Little Rock church pre- 
sented a call for his pastoral services, asking for all his 
time. This call was accepted and he was installed pastor 
of the Little Rock church Dec. 3, 1902. 

He was married to Miss Eva Lee Prather, of Little 
Rock, Dec. 25, 1901. 

He is a vigorous, earnest preacher and has been unus- 
ually successful in building up the work committed to 
him by the Synod. 

On Jan. 25th he was granted a certificate to connect 
with the U. P. Church, and is at present laboring' in 
Oklahoma City, Ok. 



sessions in HuntersvilUe 
High School, under Dr. Orr. Entering Erskine College 
in 1888, he won his diploma in 1892. In addition to his lit- 




E. F. GRIFFITH. 



Griffith, Eli Franklin. 
— Son of Charles Franklin 
and Harriet Amanda (Ba- 
ker) Griffith, was born four 
miles south of Charlotte, 
N. C, Feb. 22, 1866. At 
17, after much prayer and 
Bible study, feeling a deep 
yearning to preach Christ, 
that call was answered by 
the necessary preparation. 
A session and a half was 
spent in the Charlotte 
Graded School and two 



136 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

erary course, a full term of divinity was taken at the same 
time, and the Presbytery granted him license to preach 
April 6th, 1892. His first work was from July to Nov. 
that year at Broad Creek, Va., then five months following 
in the Memphis Presbytery. On July 25th, 1893, the 
Virginia Presbytery ordained and installed him pastor 
of Ebenezer, Va., and over Timber Ridge the 14th of 
Oct. following. This charge was demitted Nov. 18th, 
1896, and was installed pastor of Edgmoor, S. C, Dec. 
29, 1896. This congregation being demitted Nov. 1, 
1898, he labored as stated supply of Gilead and Moores- 
ville, N. C, the succeeding year. The next year his la- 
bors were prolonged in the Shoe- String circuit of Moores- 
ville, Hiddenite and Taylorsville, N. C. The field being 
re-districted, not for political but practical purposes, he 
was installed over New Perth and New Stirling, Iredell 
Co., N. C, May 27, 1901. 

Three days after the interesting ceremony of his in- 
stallation at Timber Ridge, there was another rite in the 
same consecrated court. James Graham Dixon gave his 
youngest daughter Minnie to the young pastor. They 
with two olive plants live in the parsonage near New 
Stirling, N. C. The subject of this sketch is an earnest 
and zealous minister, successful in winning souls and 
tender in his appeals to the unsaved. 

Grier, Boyce Hemphill. — The brief biography of the 
above named minister of the Gospel is comprehended in 
the following facts. 

He was the ninth child of Rev. R. C. and Barbara 
Grier, was born at Due West, November 8th, 1861. Was 
educated in the Due West Female College until he 
reached about the age of fifteen, then entered Erskine, 
graduating in the class of 1882. He spent one year after 
graduation in the University of Virginia, studying es- 
pecially Latin and Greek, with a view of entering the 
profession of Teacher. He taught school, however, only 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



137 




B. H. GRIER. 



one year at Honea Path, 
S. C. He then entered 
Erskine Theological Semi- 
nary, graduating in May, 
1887. He was licensed by 
the Second Presbytery at 
Bethel (Ora), Laurens 
Co., S. C, April 18, 1886; 
preached in vacancies in 
First Presbytery in S. C. 
and N. C. during the sum- 
mer. In November, 1887, 
he was ordained at Due 
West sine titulo, and by 
the order of Synod went 



to Millersburg, Ky. ; preached for eighteen months at 
Hinkston, Olivet and New Hope churches, in the Ken- 
tucky Presbytery. In September, 1888, upon the death 
of Rev. D. B. Pressly, his brother-in-law, he took charge 
of the church at Mt. Zion, Mo. He was called to this 
church and installed pastor October 5th, 1889, by Rev. 
James Boyce. He resigned his charge May 20, 1894, 
seeking a warmer climate than Missouri. He was called 
to Yorkville and Tirzah churches in the First Presbytery, 
and in August, 1894, was installed over these churches. 
Receiving a call to Bethel (Ora), Laurens Co., S. C, 
he accepted and was installed as pastor August, 1901, 
where he is still laboring, happy in the love of a devoted 
people. 

Mr. Grier has been twice married, first to Miss Julia 
F. Kennedy, daughter of Prof. J. P. Kennedy. She was 
spared to her husband only seven months after their 
marriage in November, 1889, dying from the effects of 
an operation in June, 1890. His second /marriage was 
with Miss Susie M. Lee, on July 28, 1891, daughter of 
Prof. Joseph F. Lee of Due West. There are four 
children living, the fruits of this marriage, Joseph Lee, 



138 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Mark Brown, Lois Francis, Martha Lee— one an infant, 
is dead. 

Grier, John McDill. — Rev. John M. Grier is the son of 
Thomas Pringle Grier and Grizilda Strong, and was born 
in Steele Creek, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, Sept. 5th, 1861. 

He graduated from Erskine College in 1882. After 
teaching two years, he was received as a student of 
theology by the First Presbytery at Winnsboro, S. C, 
April , 1884. He studied Theology at Erskine, Union, 
and Princeton Seminaries, and was licensed by the First 
Presbytery at Pisgah, N. >C, April 6, 1885, and was or- 
dained by the same Presbytery in the fall of 1887. He 
was installed pastor of Kings Mountain and Bethel 
churches in Cleveland Co., N. C, August, 1888, and 
remained pastor there until October, 1891, when he was 
dismissed by certificate to the Mecklenburg Presbytery 
of the Southern Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Grier was married July 13th, 1886, at Statesville, 
N. C, to Miss Columbia Davidson, the daughter of Robt. 
Quincy Davidson and Jane Brown. Mrs. Grier was 
born at Statesville, N. C, Dec. 14th, 1866, and they 
have two sons. 




Grier, Rev. Isaac Liv- 
ingston. — Rev. I. L. Grier, 
a student of theology in 
the Associate Reformed 
Church, was born in York 
Co., S. C, near the present 
town of Clover, August 
28th, 1 84 1. He was the 
first born of Rev. R. C. and 
Mrs. Barbara B. Grier. 



I. L. GRIER. 



After the removal of his 
parents to Due West he 
attended the schools in that 
village, entering in due 
time Erskine College, and 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



139 



graduating in class of i860, with his younger brother, 
Rev. W. M. Grier, D. D., and receiving the first honor. 
He entered the theological seminary at Due West, but on 
the breaking out of the Civil War volunteered as a sol- 
dier in Orr's Rifles, a company made up largely of troops 
from Abbeville and Anderson Counties, S. C. On the 
27th of June, 1862, he was killed in the battle of Gaines' 
Mill, Va. 

Grier, Isaac, D. D. — Robert Grier, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and Margaret Livingston, a native of Ireland, 
/Were married in N. C. in 1775. That year they moved 
to Greene Co., Ga., and the next year a son was born. 
Because of Tories, they refugeed to N. C, where this child 
of promise, Isaac, was baptized by Rev. William Martin, 
a Covenanter minister of their faith. He was the first 
Presbyterian minister born in Georgia. Piously in- 
structed and indoctrinated, his academical training was 
committed to Revs. Cunningham and Cummins of his 
native State, and his diploma was received from Dickin- 
son College, 1800. After a two years' course in theol- 
ogy under Rev. Alexander Porter, the Second Presbytery 
gave him license Sept. 3, 1802. Sardis and Providence, 
Mecklenburg Co., and Tirzah, (Waxhaw), Union Co., 
N. C, united in a call and he was ordained and installed 
by the Second Presbytery Oct. 19th, 1804. "Mr. Magill 
preached the sermon and Mr. Irwin laid on the obliga- 
tions." In 1808, Tirzah was cl emitted, and Lower Steele 
Creek or Blackstocks assumed under his pastoral care. 
Providence was demitted 181 5, and his time equally di- 
vided between Sardis and Steele Creek. The stated 
clerkship of Synod was his responsibility, 1805-1814, and 
the moderatorship, 1816. The Associate Reformed Sy- 
nod (General) met June 3rd, 1807, at Gettysburg, Pa. 

The subject of this sketch represented his Presbytery 
as also the Second. In 1820 his Synod commissioned 
him on a three months missionary tour to Tennessee. 
Some 1300 miles were travelled on horseback, 20 days 



I40 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



spent in preaching, $50.00 collected and $37.00 expended. 
An effort was made to unite the three Associate Re- 
formed Synods, viz., New York, Sciota, and the South. 
This convention met in Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 12, 1827. 
Revs. J. T. Pressly and Isaac Grier represented the two 
Presbyteries in the South. 

August 3, 1808, he was happily married to Miss 
Isabella, granddaughter of John Harris and Eleanor 
Reynolds of Ireland romance. 

She was a woman of great force of character and de- 
voted piety judging from her godly and distinguished 
descendents. The title of D. D. was conferred in 1837 
by Jefferson College. 

After a long and faithful and successful ministry of 
over 40 years he demitted his charge Oct. 5th, 1842, and 
a little later, Nov. 2nd, 1843, received his crown. There 
are some things very remarkable about his forty years 
of labor. Death invaded not the ranks of the ministry 
for nearly a quarter of a century. He saw a faithful band 
half the number of the Apostles lift their banner in the 
Southland and hold up the inspired Psalter as a manual 
of praise. He saw this vanguard thinned in the early 
'30s to be recruited by his efforts in training at Union 
Academy, young men for the ministry, and in the rise 
and growth of Erskine Seminary and College. Spared 
far beyond his co-temporaries his life and work led 
through the darkest period of our Church history. "Min- 
ished and brought low" he saw his beloved Church "take 
deep root." What experiences, what responsibility, what 
power, humanly speaking, was committed to this 
heroic spirit, since it was his immense responsibility to 
give complexion, character and courage to a large part 
of the First Presbytery. Many would, as many have, 
turned to an easier path and a brighter prospect. But 
Dr. Grier was not so built, the blood of martyrs was in 
him and he had the stuff of which heroes are made. In 
the darkest days of his Church having faith in her prin- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



141 



ciples and following his convictions he taught, toiled and 
trusted and at his death about one half of his Presbytery 
were children of his charge. This good work has gone 
forward. He being dead yet speaketh. As Virginia was 
the mother of Presidents, so Sardis is the mother of 
ministers. Not only was his eye on the youth of his con- 
gregations, but he was diligent and successful in instruct- 
ing the colored people, many of whom became profess- 
ing Christians. 

He was punctual in his appointments to preach and in 
his attendance on Church judicatories, faithful in pastoral 
visitation and catechetical instruction. A devoted, godly 
minister, a faithful loyal servant, an exemplary husband 
and father, serving well his generation, and his name is 
as ointment poured forth. 



Grier, John Steward. — Rev. 
J. S. Grier is the son of the late 
Rev. Robert Leroy Grier and 
Martha Ann Kirkpatrick, and 
was born in Troy, Tenn., Sept. 
19th, 1868. 

After the death of his parents, 
he was reared by his maternal 
grandparents in Mecklenburg 
Co., N. C, and after their death 
he was provided for by his un- 
cle, John Moore Kirkpatrick, 
who helped to educate him. 
He was educated in the ordinary country schools until 
prepared for College, when he entered Erskine College 
in the fall of 1887, graduating from that institution in 
1891. He connected with the Church at Ebenezer, N. C, 
in 1882, was received as a student of theology by the 
First Presbytery in the fall of 1891 at Steele Creek, N. C, 
prosecuted his studies in Erskine Theological Seminary, 
and was licensed by the First Presbytery, at Charlotte, N. 




REV. J. S. GRIER. 



142 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



C, in 1893. On July 22nd, 1893, he was ordained and 
installed pastor of Ebenezer, Jefferson Co., Ga., by the 
Second Presbytery, and was pastor of that church until 
April, 1896, when he received a call to Sharon, York 
Co., S. C, which he accepted, and was installed there 
July 23rd, 1896, and still continues pastor there. 

Through his efforts a new church called Hebron was 
organized on the outskirts of Sharon, and Mr. Grier was 
installed pastor of this new organization in July, 1901, 
for one fourth of his ti/me and still continues pastor there. 

Mr. Grier was married at Ebenezer, Ga., Dec. 2nd, 
1896, to Miss Julia Elizabeth Cain, daughter of George 
Lyman Cain, and Mary Elizabeth Stone. Mrs. Grier 
was born near Louisville, Ga., Dec. 3rd, 1871. They 
have had two children, one of whom is dead. 

Grier, Rev. J. Julius. — Was born Dec. 12, 1868, in 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C, within the bounds of Back 
Creek A. R. P. Church. His mother, Agnes Grier, is a 
daughter of Rev. I. G. McLaughlin. 

His earlier education was obtained, for the most part, 
in the public schools of his native county. After com- 
pleting his college course, he was graduated in 1891 from 
Erskine College. After teaching for a short while he 
entered Erskine Theological Seminary and was gradu- 
ated from that institution in 1894. 

On July 25, 1894, he was ordained by a communion of 
the Second Presbytery, and on the same day was installed 
pastor of the Abbeville S. C. A. R. P. Church. This 
charge he demitted in November, 1895. In 1897 he was 
granted a certificate by the Second Presbytery. He con- 
nected with the Southern Presbyterian Church, and went 
to Birmingham as stated supply for the East Lake Pres- 
byterian Church. On May 20, 1900, he was installed 
pastor of this church. On account of throat trouble he 
resigned this pastorate January, 1, 1903, and accepted 
the position of Financial Secretary of the Texas Pres- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



143 



byterian College for girls, located at Milford, Texas. 
This position he still holds. On July 24, 1901, he was 
happily married to Miss Louise Palmer of Birmingham, 
Alabama. 



Grier, Mark Brozvn. — Rev. M. B. Grier is the eleventh 
and youngest child of Rev.R. C. and Barbara B. Grier. He 
was born at Due West, January 3rd, 1867. Received his 
preparatory education in the primary department of the 
Due West Female College, and also in some of the Col- 
lege classes. He entered Ersl^ne, graduating in June, 
1885 ; spent one year at Johns Hopkins University, Balti- 
more, taught school one year near Covington, Ga., stud- 
ied at Erskine Seminary and also at Princeton, graduat- 
ing at the latter in May, 

1 89 1. He decided to go as 
a missionary to China, and 
offered himself to the Ex- 
ecutive Committee of 
the Southern Presbyterian 
Church ; spent one year in 
Dr. Dowkout's Missionary 

,. Training School, and went 
to China in September, 

1892. He is now actively 
engaged in his work in the 
city of Heiichoufu, teach- 
and preaching the Gospel 
to the heathen. 

He was married 1894 (?) to Miss Nettie Donaldson, a 
missionary of the Northern Presbyterian Church in 
China, but originally from Greenville, Pa. They have 
been blessed with one child, Isabel. 




M. B. GRIER. 



Grier, Robert Calvin, D. D. — The subject of this 
sketch was born March 2nd, 181 7, in Providence Town- 
ship, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, some ten miles south 



144 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




R. C. GRIER. 



of Charlotte, within the 
bounds of Sardis congre- 
gation, the pastoral charge 
of his father, Rev. Isaac 
Grier, D. D. The commu- 
nity was distinguished for 
its moral worth and civic 
virtues. The citizens of 
Mecklenburg ever since 
their famous declaration of 
Independence, have been 
renowned for their patriot- 
ism, and almost equally fa- 
mous for their substantial 
religious character. 
Dr. Grier descended from a pious and highly respected 
ancestry. His mother Isabella, was of the Harris fam- 
ily, well known in the Steel Creek community as good 
citizens, substantial livers, and exemplary Church mem- 
bers. The grand-parents of Dr. Grier were noted for 
their strict piety ; Hugh Harris was noted especially for 
his strict punctuality in attending Church. His home 
was some thirteen miles distant from the church which 
he attended two-thirds of the time, but he was usually 
among the first to arrive on Sabbath morning. Mrs. 
Grier walked in the footsteps of her father, and was 
noted for the purity of her life and the simplicity of her 
manners. She was particularly attentive to the conduct 
and education of her children. 

Rev. Isaac Grier, D. D., the father of R. C. Grier, was 
born in Green County, Ga., the 7th of October, 1776. He 
was the first minister of the Presbyterian order born 
in the State. 

Dr. Isaac Grier'' s family was not large — two sons 
and one daughter — one son died in infancy. The daugh- 
ter, Martha, married Rev. I. G. Witherspoon, and after 
his death Dr. James Boyce. She was the oldest and Dr. 
R. C. Grier the second child. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



145 



The academical education of Dr. Grier, Jr., was ob- 
tained partly in the Sardis neighborhood and partly 
in Greenville County. S. C, in a school conducted by Mr. 
William Moffatt. In May, 1833, in his 17th year, he 
repaired to Canonsburg, Pa., and entered Jefferson 
College, then in the full tide of success, under the popu- 
lar presidency of Dr. Matthew Brown, where he gradu- 
ated in September, 1835. After graduation he taught 
school for awhile in association with James Walker, 
afterward a minister in the Associate Reformed Church, 
near his home in Sardis. He commenced the study of 
theology under his father, Dr. Isaac Grier, but completed 
his course in Erskine Theological Seminary at Due West 
under Rev. E. E. Pressly, D .D. He was licensed by the 
First Presbytery in April, 1839, received calls from 
Bethany and Pisgah churches, and was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor in June, 1841. His father, Dr. Isaac Grier, 
Rev. Thomas Ketchin and Rev. John G. Witherspoon 
taking part in the exercises. 

His pastorate lasted for seven years. He was a faith- 
ful pastor and much beloved by his congregations. In 
October, 1847, it became necessary for the Synod to elect 
a president for Erskine College to succeed Dr. E. E. 
Pressly, who had resigned on account of ill health. Dr. 
R. C. Grier was chosen to fill this responsible position. 
He was but thirty-one years of age, and was up to this 
time unknown to fame, the pastor of two country congre- 
gations. He had appeared but seldom in the public 
prints. Had written perhaps two or three articles for 
the cc Christian Magazine of the South'' published by Dr. 
James Boyce. But his friends had discovered in him 
certain gifts which only needed cultivation and a field for 
their exercise to bring him to the front rank of useful- 
ness in the Church as an educator. The selection of the 
Synod proved to be most wise. He accepted the presi- 
dency to which he was chosen, much to the regret of 
his churches. In the spring of 1848 he was inaugurated. 



10 



146 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



In 1858, wearied with his arduous duties, he resigned. 
He had served the Church for ten years and had brought 
the college up to prominence in the State and in the whole 
South as one of the best denominational institutions. To 
his gifts of scholarship, he added great tact and knowl- 
edge of human nature. He knew how to control young 
men, his discipline was mild but firm, he saw the best 
that was in every man and appealed to that, he thus in- 
spired young men with a noble ambition to do right. He 
had a saving sense of humor which served him well of- 
tentimes in bringing out the follies and foibles of youth, 
and leading his students to see how ridiculous were their 
college pranks and misdemeanors. For his department 
of mental and moral science he was especially fitted. 
Having a keen logical intellect, able to see a point clearly 
and to make it plain to others. We have heard some of 
his students say that he ought to have written a text 
book on Moral Philosophy. As we have said he resigned 
the presidency in 1858, in the following year he was 
elected professor in the Seminary. 

On the death of Dr. E. E. Pressly. in i860, Dr. Grief 
was chosen pastor of the Due West Church. To this im- 
portant field of labor he brought his best gifts as a 
preacher, as he had offered his best talent as teacher in 
the work of the college. If he was distinguished in the 
class-room, he was scarcely less so in the pulpit. He was 
re-elected president of the college at the close of the war. 
His second administration was equally distinguished and 
as successful as the first.. 

His hands were now full — as professor, pastor and 
teacher in the Seminary — besides these there were many 
other duties that belonged to him as the father of a large 
family and the care of numerous business matters. His 
burden was too great for him. He wore himself out in 
the work of the Church. On March 15th, 1871, he was 
taken seriously ill with a disease which baffled the 
skill of the physicians, and which seemed to affect both 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



147 



the liver and stomach, though the trouble was never 
certainly diagnosed. He lingered two weeks, until the 
30th of March, when his spirit took its flight from the 
suffering body and returned to God who gave it Dr. 
Grier was married in August, 1840, to Miss Barbara B. 
Moffatt, the eldest daughter of William Moffatt a 
prominent merchant of Lewisville, Chester County, 
S. C. She survived her husband twenty-five years. 
There were in all eleven children, nine of whom 
grew to maturity, Isaac Livingstone, killed in battle 
in June, 1862, William Moffatt, President of Erskine 
College, Isabella, who married Rev. J. E. Martin, 
Laura, who married Rev. G. R. White, Lois , who 
married Rev. D. B. Pressly, and Jane, who married Mr. 
James E. Todd. Boyce H., present pastor at Ora, S. 
C, Paul L., professor in Erskine College and Mark B., 
missionary to China. 

Dr. Grier received his title of Doctor of Divinity from 
Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va., about 
the year 1852 or 1853. 

Grier, Robert Leroy. — Son of Isaac Grier and Isabella 
Robison, was born in Mecklenburgh Co., N. C, June 18, 
1832. He completed his literary course and graduated 
from Erskine College August 8th, 1855. He married 
Martha A. Kirkpatrick April 24, 1856. She was a 
daughter of Hugh and Louisa Kirkpatrick. He was li- 
censed to preach the Gospel by the First Presbytery of 
the Carolinas in April, 1858, and under the order of Synod 
he labored in the Georgia, Memphis and First Presbyteries. 

He was ordained and installed pastor of the A. R. P. 
Church of Troy, Obion Co., Tenn., Nov. 19, 1861. He 
demitted this charge during the year 1869, and moved 
to Marshall Co., Miss., and settled in the bounds of Mt. 
Carmel church and employed his time in teaching school 
and preaching to the congregation of Mt. Carmel and 
also that of Beulah, Shelby Co., Tenn. 



148 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Here he was called to mourn the loss of his wife, who 
died June 27, 1871, after a protracted sickness. She 
was "a faithful companion, a woman of undoubted 
piety and highly esteemed by all who knew her." She 
was the mother of six children : Dr. Isaac Oscar, de-f 
ceased. Louisa Isabella, wife of J. Walker Griffith, Hugh 
Kirkpatrick, deceased, Robert Baxter, Margaret Anna, 
and John Stewart. Mr. Grier was installed pastor of 
Mt. Carmel and Beulah churches in 1872, and there 
labored faithfully for nearly eight years. He married Oct. 
10, 1872, Miss Eleanor Jane Moffatt, daughter of Samuel 
and Eleanor Jane Moffatt, of Marshall Co., Miss. Mr. 
Grier demitted the Mt. Carmel branch of his charge in 
1879, sold his possessions in Mississippi and moved to 
Shelby Co., Tenn., 1880. About this time he experienced 
a severe attack of jaundice, and gradually sank under 
weakness, and on Feb. 16, 1881, his body was laid to its 
long rest and his spirit returned to God who gave it. 

His two oldest sons died the same year as their father. 
Of the survivors, Rev. John S. Grier is now pastor of 
Sharon, S. C. Rev. A. H. Griffith, now of Little Rock, 
Ark., is a grandson of Mr. Grier's. 

Mr. Grier is remembered as a fluent speaker and a 
good preacher. 

Grier, Robert Livingston. — The second child of Dr. 
William M.and Nannie McMorries Grier, was born Sept. 
15th, 1867; was- educated in Due West, S. C, and grad- 
uated from Erskine College, June, 1887, under the Pres- 
idency of his father. In 1891 he entered Erskine Theo- 
logical Seminary, completing his course in 1893, and was 
licensed by the 2nd A. R. Presbytery, at King's Creek 
Church, Newberry Co., S. C, in April, 1893. Accepting 
a call from Steel Creek congregation, Mecklenburg Co., 
N. C, he was transferred to the 1st Presbytery, and was 
ordained and installed as pastor there Aug. 11, 1893, by 
a Committee of the 1st Presbytery, — but Dr. Grier, his 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



149 



father, a member of the 2nd Presbytery, was present and 
took part in the services. His great-grandfather, Rev. 
Isaac Grier, D. D., many years before, had sustained the 
same relation to the ancestors of some of the members 
of Steel Creek church. The relation as pastor was dis- 
solved April 5th, 1897. 

His next field of labor was Mt. Zion, Mo., in the Ken- 
tucky Presbytery, beginning his work there in 1897, and 
continued until Sept. 21st, 1899. In 1900 having 
adopted some doctrines contrary to the teachings of the 
A. R P. Church on the subjects of Future Punishment 
and Nature of the Atonement, he voluntarily withdrew 
from the exercise of the ministry, and requested his name 
to be dropped from the roll of the Presbytery, which was 
done Oct. 24, 1901. His name was restored and he was 
reinstated as a member of the Presbytery Aug. 30th, 
1902, on his written acceptance of the standards and 
doctrine of the A. R. P. Church. A short time after this 
he made application to and was received by examination 
into the South Carolina Presbytery of the Southern 
Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Grier has married twice. His first wife was Miss 
Fannie Grist, daughter of Capt. W. M. Grist, editor of 
the "Yorkville Enquirer," Yorkville, S. C, and was con- 
summated May 20th, 1 89 1. She died June 5th, 1893. 
On the 20th of Febuary, 1895, he was married to Miss 
Jennie Marshall, daughter of Capt. J. W. Marshall, of 
Rock Hill, S. C. 

Grier, William Moifatt, D. D. — In an old house, built 
by his father, about one mile from the present little vil- 
lage of Clover, York Co., S. C, on the nth of February, 
1843, William MofTatt Grier was born. He was the sec- 
ond son of Robert C. and Barbara B. Grier. His brother, 
Isaac Livingston, being the first born. At the time of his 
birth, Dr. Robert C. Grier was pastor of Bethany and 
Pisgah congregations. In 1847 he was elected President 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




W. M. GRIER, D. 



D. 



of Erskine College and re- 
moved to Due West, and 
it was here that Dr. Grier, 
Jr., was brought up. He 
attended the schools of the 
village, which were fairly 
good, and in due time en- 
tered Erskine College, 
graduating in class of 
i860. He shared the sec- 
ond honor of the class. The 
first honor was taken by 
his brother Livingston 
with one or two others. 
For a short time after his 



graduation he engaged in teaching in Fairfield Co., S. C. 
While pursuing this quiet vocation, the war between the 
States broke out, and, fired with a spirit of patriotism, Dr. 
Grier volunteered his services, joining the sixth regiment 
of S. C., which was made up largely of Chester, Fair- 
field and York Co. troops. Dr. Grier was not in the ser- 
vice long; he was severely wounded at Williamsburg, 
May 5th, 1862, was taken prisoner, and after his ex- 
change returned home. 

In 1864 ne connected w T ith the Second Presbytery. 
In April, 1866, at Cedar Springs, he was licensed, and in 
August, 1867, settled as pastor at Oak Hill, Wilcox Co., 
Ala. In September, 187 1, he was called from his quiet 
and happy pastorate to succeed his father as President 
of Erskine College. He accepted with some misgiv- 
ings the important position "Relying," as he said, "upon 
the Divine blessing and the cordial support of those who 
had elected him." The task before him was no easy one. 
The Southern country was suffering from the terrible 
ravages of the war, the people were impoverished. The 
burden of reconstruction was upon them. Dr. Grier was 
young, just twenty-eight, without experience — the old 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



endowment was gone — there were no effective plans for 
a new one. On the whole the problem of sustaining the 
college, or at least of promoting its advancement seemed 
to be a real one. And then Dr. Grier, Jr., was succeed- 
ing a father who had been eminently successful, and 
whose ability and worth had been held in the highest es- 
teem by the whole Church — and he was to take his place 
at the head of the faculty, some of whom had been his 
honored instructors. But the choice of the Synod was 
fully justified, Dr. Grier soon had his work in hand. He 
achieved his greatest fame as college president. Dr. F. 
Y. Pressly says of him : "That he was raised up, quali- 
fied and called of God to this service, no one can doubt 
who is familiar with the history of Erskine College for 
the last quarter of a century. Such pre-eminent qualifica- 
tions for so difficult and responsible a station came not 
by chance. There is no occasion to repeat the question 
of Mordecai : "Who knowest whether thou art come 
to the Kingdom for such a time as this." The success 
of the College under Dr. Grier's encumbency is well 
known. "His worth was recognized far outside the 
bounds of his own denomination, and he was generally 
accepted as an exponent of the highest and best Christian 
culture in the South. Under his wise guidance the Col- 
lege has extended her influence, and has a recognized 
place among institutions of higher Christian learning. 
With rare tact and with faithful, unsparing toil he has 
done what he could in rearing a fair superstructure on 
the foundation laid by the great and godly men who 
preceded him." Dr. Grier was a most competent instruc- 
tor in the chair of Mental and Moral Science, and was 
distinguished by the clearness and cogency of his reason- 
ing and his skill in imparting knowledge to his students. 
He was pre-eminently fitted for the government of the 
College. "He was gentle, firm, considerate and just, 
he relied more on appeals to the student's sense of right 
than on the naked hand of the law. Submission to 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



rightful, constituted authority he insisted upon as a car- 
dinal virtue; but in the enforcement of obedience there 
was always manifest an affectionate concern for the 
highest good of the student." The confidence and ap- 
preciation of his work as president was fully shown by 
the Synod, when weary with his labors and his heavy 
responsibilities, she refused to accept his resignation ten- 
dered at the close of his twenty-fifth year of service. 

But not only did Dr. Grier serve Erskine College well 
as her president and professor. He was a number of 
times called upon to act as agent. Once he canvassed 
the Synod, in part, for the endowment, once for money 
to erect new buildings, and again to raise money on the 
debt incurred in the erection of the new building and 
the Dormitory. In his last canvass during a very hot, 
sultry summer he remarked that he thought when this 
was finished he ought to graduate. He was not given to 
consult his own comfort when the Synod called upon him 
to perform any duty. 

Dr. Grier was almost equally as distinguished a 
preacher, as educator. As one said of him,, "He stood in 
the front rank as a pulpit orator. His sermons were 
clear, logical, scholarly, and instructive, and withal plain 
and practical. He preached with a pathos, power and 
eloquence that captivated and moved his audience. He 
was a man of power in the pulpit." His Sabbath after- 
noon sermons preached in the Due West pulpit will not 
soon be forgotten, and they have left their impress, upon 
many young persons, who it maybe have forgotten his 
words in the class-room. 

As professor in the Seminary and as editor of the 
"Associate Reformed Presbyterian/' Dr. Grier also served 
his Church most efficiently. There was no labor that 
he enjoyed more perhaps, than writing for the "Pres- 
byterian/' His editorials were always fresh and force- 
able, and widely influential. 

He was indeed a faithful, unselfish servant of the 
Church, and of the cause of education. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



153 



He died in the midst of his usefulness and in the height 
of his intellectual powers. Returning from his appoint- 
ment at Bethlehem a few miles from Due West, one hot 
Sabbath at noon, September 3rd, 1899, he sat down to 
dinner, but with little appetite. Complained of feeling 
sick, fell over in an instant in his chair, and in an hour 
after he was dead. The stroke of apoplexy soon did its 
work. He was removed at once from the toil of earth 
to the blessed rest of heaven. 

Dr. Grier was most fortunate in his marriage, his 
wife, who survives him, was Miss Nannie M. McMorries 
of Newberry, S. C, daughter of the late Dr. McMorries. 
She was a true helpmeet, assisting her husband in his 
high position and great labors by her sympathy, her ap- 
preciation and her prayers. She was a tower of strength, 
modestly standing behind the scenes but an active partici- 
pant in all that has been accomplished. There are seven 
living children. Mrs. J. S. MofTatt of Chester, S. C, 
and Mrs. Laura MofTatt of the same place, Rev. R. L. 
Grier of Elizabeth City, N. C, Mr. W. M. Grier of Due 
West and Mr. R. E. Grier of Charleston, S. C. Misses 
Helen and Agnes, two daughters unmarried, are at home 
with their mother. Two little ones passed away in 
childhood. 

H addon, David Franklin. — Son of Abram Haddon 
and Anna Hawthorne, was born near Due West, Nov. 7, 
1820, and died Dec. 13, 1896. 

As a child he attended school in the country and later 
spent one session at Athens, Georgia, at what is now the 
University of Georgia. He then entered Erskine and af- 
ter finishing the prescribed course of study was graduated 
in the First Class. 

At some time in his early youth he united with the 
Church at Due West, S. C, and was received as a student 
of Theology by the Second Presbytery, immediately af- 
ter being graduated from college. 



154 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



He then continued his studies at Erskine Theological 
Seminary. 

On May 15, 1854, he was ordained and installed by a 
committee appointed by the Second Presbytery, as pastor 
of Bethel, Head Springs, and Providence in Laurens Co., 
S. C. In this charge he lived and labored for the long 
term of 42 years. After his installation he married 
Margaret Taylor, daughter of James and Elizabeth 
Taylor. No children were born to them. After her 
death he married Eliza Thompson. 



land, Me., and Newberryport, Mass., was offered. Yield- 
ing to the experienced judgment of his Presbytery, the 
church of his fathers has had his valuable services in 
the direct work of the ministry, and the Master has set 
the seal of approval on his decision. Licensed by the 
Second Presbytery Sept. 16, 1880, he spent three months 
beginning Nov. 1, 1880, at Ebenezer and Bethel, and 
Broad Creek, Rockbridge Co., Va. On the first Sab- 
bath of Feb., 1 88 1, he began preaching at Old Providence 
and Timber Ridge, Va., as co-pastor with Dr. H. Thomp- 
son. Having been ordained by the Virginia Presbytery 




S. W. HADDON. 



H addon, Samuel Wal- 
ter. — Son of Abram Frank- 
lin and Eliza J. (Dickson) 
Haddon, born at Antre>- 
ville, Abbeville Co., S. C, 
June 18, 1855. Professed 
religion at 16 while a stu- 
dent in preparatory depart- 
ment of Erskine College, 
where he received his di- 
ploma, 1877. A full course 
of theology was taken at 
Erskine Divinity School. 
During this course Y. M. 
C. A. work, both in Port- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



155 



April 23rd, 1 881, he succeeded Dr. Thompson and was 
installed pastor, April 19th, 1883, of Old Providence, 
remaining stated supply of Timber Ridge till 1892. 

On the 6th of November, 1883, he was happily married 
to Miss Anna Brown, daughter of Capt John Brown and 
Margaret (Hanna) Galloway of Maury Co., Tenn. She 
was born in aforesaid county Sept. 30th, i860, and 
graduated at the Due West Female College in 1879. His 
eleven years work at Timber Ridge lengthening her 
cords and strengthening her stakes is still bearing fruit. 
About the latter part of 1892 there was a redistricting 
and Timber Ridge was associated with Ebenezer under 
Rev. Plaxco and Bro. Haddon gave all his time as he 
does yet to Old Providence. 

The congregation has grown steadily in numbers and 
liberality, good evidence also of spiritual increase. He 
was the Synod's accredited delegate to United Presby- 
terian General Assembly in Pittsburg, Pa., 1895. Before 
the most cultured of that cultured denomination, in one 
of their finest churches, Bro. J. G. Dale says he electrified 
the audience. He served on the Board of Trustees of 
Erskine College five years, from 1892. Remarkably 
punctual in his Presbytery, he has missed but four meet- 
ings of Synod in the 21 years of ministerial service. 
This is an honorable record when all save one of these 
meetings were in other States from 400 to 1000 miles. 
This brother is in many respects a model minister. Kind 
but firm, prudent but positive, a cultured scholar, a de- 
vout Christian, in the pulpit an orator, in the Church 
courts a wise counsellor, in his home a charming host, 
in your home an instructive conversationalist, he is the 
Master's servant at all times and attends strictly to his 
professional functions. 

Hamill, Robt. — Son of Wm. T. and Mary Ray Hamill, 
was born March 2nd, 1871, on his parents' farm, where 
they still reside, three miles distant from Indiana, Pa. 



156 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Until 1 8 years of age, he attended the nearby country 
public school, where the annual term was never more 
than six months. Worked at home on the farm during 
the rest of the year and also during vacations of after 
school life. 

The years 1889 and '91 were spent by him in the 
Indiana State Normal, and four years ('91-95) in West- 
minster College, by which he was graduated in the clas- 
sical course in 1895. Two years were spent in teaching 
in Norfolk, Va., Mission College. Attended Erskine 
Theological Seminary at Due West, 1 897^99, and Al- 
legheny Seminary 1899-1900, and graduated there in 
the class of 1900. He united with the U. P. Church at 
Indiana, Pa., at the age of 15, and was licensed by the 
Second A. R. Presbytery of the Synod of the South 
April 8th, 1899. Received ordination at the hands of 
the Pawnee Presbytery (U. P.) April 10th, 1901. Pre- 
served the Jewell, Kansas, congregation 1900-1901, and 
since 1902 has served the Lebanon congregation, Fay- 
etteville, Tenn. 

Hanna, George Washington. — Son of Wm. Dixon and 
Harriet Bradley Hanna, ~v\ is born in Gastonia, N. C. 
Feb. 26th, 1878. His preparatory studies were at Gas- 
ton Institute, Gastonia, under Prof. J. P. Reid. Erskine 
College gave him a diploma June 10, 1902. He is now 
a student in Erskine Divinity Hall. 

Harris, Eleazar. — Studied Theology under Dr. John 
M. Mason, of New York, graduating in 1815. He taught 
school awhile at Ebenezer Academy, York Co., S. C. 
Was never a settled pastor, but supplied several vacant 
churches- — preaching a part of the time at Troy, Tenn. 
The dates of birth and death, and other details of his life, 
are not known. 

Harris, Robert Sidney. — Son of John Christopher Har- 
ris and Sarah Martha Anderson, was born in Troy, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



157 



Tenn., August 24, 1870. His mother died when he was 
about 12 years of age. Until 16 years old he attended 
Obion College at Troy, Tenn. Two years he clerked for 
Mr. J. S. Moffatt, a merchant of Troy. 

Resuming school in January, 1889, he entered the 
University of Tennessee at Knoxville, in September of 
that year, remaining there one year. In the fall of 1890 
he entered the Sophomore Class of Erskine College, 
Due West, S. C, where his education was completed. He 
taught four years in the public schools of Obion Co., 



completed the course June 10, 1898; was licensed to 
preach at a called meeting of the Memphis Presbytery at 
Troy, Tenn., July 6, 1898, and was ordained by the same 
Presbytery at Bethany, Miss., Nov. 6, 1899. He preached 
a short while each at Shiloh, Miss., Hinkston and 
Ebenezer, Ky., Ebenezer and Wrens, Ga., and Edge- 
moore, S. C, and Huntersville, N. C. Came to Hope- 
well, Miss., as supply in July, 1899, was called there Nov. 
20, 1899, for one half time, and was installed May 14, 
1900, Revs. T. P. Pressly and J. W. Baird officiating. 
He has also been supplying the Mt. Carmel, Miss., con- 
gregation regularly for several years. 




R. 



S. HARRIS. 



Tenn., and of Caldwell 
Parish, Louisiana, and the 
year previous to his enter- 
ing the Seminary was a 
teacher in Obion College. 
He joined the Troy A. R. 
P. Church when about 15 
years old, Rev. T. P. 
Pressly, pastor. Was re- 
ceived as a student of the- 
ology by the Memphis 
Presbytery at Rives, Tenn., 
m April, 1897. Entered 
Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary October, 1896, and 



158 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

He was ; married July 6, 1899, to Miss Margaret Brice, 
of Troy, Tenn. She was a daughter of Dr. Walter 
Brice and Jane Bonar Moffatt, and was born in Troy, 
February 4, 1871. She died March 12, 1903, after an 
illness of but a few hours. Her memory is as ointment 
poured forth. Their only child, Robert Brice Harris, 
was born August 20, 1900. 

Haslet, David C. — Was born in the vicinity of Church 
Hill Academy, Abbeville Co., S. C. His parents were 
John and Hannah Haslet. His mother's maiden name 
was Vernon. 

His educational advantages were good for that day 
and time. He was for some time a student in Franklin 
College at Athens, Georgia, but probably did not grad- 
uate. He was licensed by the South Carolina Presbytery 
(G. A. P.) at a church known as "The Rocks" near Cam- 
bridge, sometimes called Ninety-Six. He was licensed 
in 1824. He preached for a time in Anderson Co., S. C. 
In 1840 he decided to become a member of the A. R. P. 
Church, and was received by the Second Presbytery at 
Bethel Church in Burk County, Georgia. He preached 
at various places in Georgia, and was for many years a 
member of the Georgia Presbytery. He died near Mari- 
etta, Cobb Co., Ga., in 1855, aged about sixty years. 

Hayes, Rev. Thomas Wylie. — Son of William Riley 
and Eleanor Jane (Whitesides) Hayes, was born near 
Rock Hill, York Co., S. C, April 4, '67. He attended 
the High School at Huntersville, N. C, and graduated 
in the class of '95, in Erskine College. That summer 
took a six weeks' course in Moody's Bible Institute, Chi- 
cago. He continued his theological studies in Erskine 
Theological Seminary, and was licensed by the First 
Presbytery, April 7, 1896, at Gastonia, N. C. He labored 
in Corsicana, Texas, sixteen months under the direction 
of the Board of Home Missions. He was ordained by 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



159 




T. W. HAYES. 



the Texas Presbytery at 
Mario w, April 18, 1897. 

He was installed pastor 
at Chicota, Texas, in Jan- 
aary, '98. He was mar- 
ried Oct. 6, '97, to Miss 
Estelle, daughter of Mr. 
John Alexander Pope, of 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C. 

Mr. Hayes is one of the 
growing men of the Sy- 
nod. Universally accepta- 
ble in and out of the 
pulpit and has a bright fu- 
ture. 



Hemphill, John, D. D. — John Hemphill, D. D., was the 
son of John Hemphill and Margaret Ramsey, and was 
born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1761. 

In his youth he was apprenticed to a tailor and learned 
the trade of a tailor. After learning his trade, he came 
to America in 1783. He plied his trade in Philadelphia 
for a while, and afterwards became a clerk in a clothing 
store. In a few years he had saved enough to come 
South, where he lived for a time, and worked at his trade 
in the home of his half-brother, James, who lived on 
Fishing Creek in York Co., S. C. It is probable that 
Mr. Hemphill had determined to obtain a classical edu- 
cation before he left Ireland, and this may have been 
the reason of his coming. While engaged in working at 
his trade, at the home of his brother James, he began 
his studies, but whether under a preceptor or not, we are 
not able to say. He commenced the study of Latin at 
the school of Rev. Samuel Warnock, a few miles north 
of where Union Church now is, in Chester Co. Some 
time afterwards he left this school, and entered the 
school of Rev. Joseph Alexander, D. D., on Bullocks 



i6o 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Creek in York Co. In 1791 he entered the senior class 
in Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, and graduated in 
May, 1792. 

Mr. Hemphill had been a member of the Covenanter 
Church in Ireland, but on coming to America, he went 
into the Associate Reformed Church. Soon after gradu- 
ating, he began the study of theology under the Rev. 
Alexander Dobbin, near Gettysburg, Pa. How long he 
remained under the instruction of Mr. Dobbins is not 
known, but it is certain that he completed his theological 
course under Rev. Matthew Linn, at Greencastle, Pa. He 
was licensed by the First Presbytery of Pennsylvania at 
Big Spring in May, 1794, and was ordained by the same 
Presbytery in October of the same year. 

He immediately set out on a missionary tour through 
Virginia and the Carolinas. He reached Hopewell, 
which was to be the scene of his future labors, in Febru- 
ary or March, 1795. Hopewell made out a call for him, 
but a number of other churches wanted him too, so he 
did not accept any one of them until he returned to 
Greencastle, and consulted with his wife. He accepted 
the call to Hopewell, and in 1795, in August or Septem- 
ber, he set out with his young wife and their little child, 
on horseback, for the Scotch-Irish settlement on Rocky 
Creek, in Chester Co., S. C, and arrived sometime in 
October. Two young men of Hopewell had gone to 
Greencastle to remove their pastor. They each rode a 
horse and led one, and when they reached Pennsylvania, 
they purchased a wagon, and brought their pastor and 
his effects to Hopewell. The distance was about five 
hundred miles, and it must have been a hard and tedious 
journey. It is proper to state that Hopewell then in- 
cluded what is now Union and New Hope Churches as 
well as Hopewell. These churches were organized dur- 
ing Mr. Hemphill's time, and he was the pastor of these 
as well as Hopewell. 

Mr. Hemphill was installed over Hopewell on Sept. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



161 



19, 1796, and for thirty-six years he continued to be the 
pastor of Hopewell, and foremost man of all that region. 

At his death, one, who was not a member of his church, 
said : "Dr. Hemphill made Rocky Creek what it is." 

When he came to Hopewell, he and his wife and a 
child about one year old, boarded at the home of James 
Strong. They afterwards settled on a plantation about 
half a mile south of Hopewell, and there he continued 
to live until his death. 

Dr. Hemphill was a man of great ability, and he made 
an impress on the people of his charge, that lasts in their 
children of to-day. He was a fine scholar, a profound 
theologian, and an able minister. He was a man of fine 
judgment, and of affable and engaging manners, and 
held the love and confidence of all his people. The de- 
gree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by 
Jefferson College in 1828. Dr. Hemphill died May 20th, 
1832, in the 71st year of his age, and is buried in the 
graveyard at Hopewell. Mr. Hemphill's first marriage 
was to Jane Linn, the daughter of Rev. Matthew Linn 
of Greencastle, Pa. She was the mother of six children, 
three sons and three daughters. Jennette, married Sam- 
uel McCalla; Margaret married William Moffatt, and 
Eliza married Rev. John Wilson. Matthew was a mer- 
chant, John was a lawyer, and afterwards Chief Justice 
of Texas :and William Ramsey, was an able minister of 
the A. R. P. Church. Mrs. Hemphill was a godly 
woman, of great strength of character. She died in 
1809. Mr. Hemphill's second marriage occurred in 181 1, 
to Mary, the widow of James Andrew Hemphill, M. D. 
This Dr. Hemphill was no blood relation to the subject 
of this sketch. 

This Mrs. Hemphill was th,e daughter of Col. John 
Nixon. She had four children, three sons and one 
daughter. The daughter died in childhood, and one son, 
David, died in 1842. James became a lawyer, and prac- 
ticed his profession in Chester, S. C, and was a man of 



11 



1 62 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



the noblest character, and an elder in the Presbyterian 
Church. He died at his home in Chester in 1902, be- 
loved by all who knew him. Robert Nixon farmed at the 
old home. He made a considerable fortune, and was 
very liberal with his means, and a man of the highest 
character, and a Christian of the finest type. 

He gave liberally to the College and Seminary during 
his life, and at his death left several legacies to different 
causes of the Church. Mrs. Mary Hemphill, was also a 
woman of the noblest character. She died Feb. 1st, 1854, 
aged 75 years. 



ology by the Second Presbytery in 1859. H e studied 
Theology at Due West, and was licensed by the same 
Presbytery at Bethel, Laurens Co., S. C, April 6th, 1861. 

Just after the war he preached for a time in Ohio. In 
the year 1867 he preached in Kentucky, and during a 
few months of the same year in Newton Co., Ga. He 
went jto Virginia, May, 1868, and labored in that State 
ten years. He was called by the Church at Ebenezer and 
Broad Creek, and served them for eight years from his 
installation in 1869. He was sent by Synod to Charlotte 




J. L. HEMPHILL. 



Hemphill, John Lind. — 
Was born in Abbeville 
County, S. C, Feb. 21st, 
1838. His father was Rev. 
William Ramsey Hemphill, 
his mother, Hannah Smith 
Lind. His educational op- 
portunities were good. He 
attended the primary 
schools at Due West. He 
graduated from Erskine 
College in 1858. He joined 
the church at Due West, in 
April, 1854. He was re- 
ceived as a student of The- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 163 

in 1877-78. He began his work in Georgia at White 
Oak in December, 1879. He was pastor here for twenty 
years, being called July 30th, 1886, and installed Novem- 
ber, 1886, and dying Oct. 30th, 1899. 

He married Miss Nancy Hannah McKemy Sept. 6th, 
1871, in Rockbridge Co., Va. His wife was the daugh- 
ter of Col. John and Caroline McKemy. She was born 
Oct. 1 8th, 1850, in Rockbridge Co., Va. She was the 
mother of three children and is still living at Newnan, 
Georgia. 

As a man he was pure, honest, cheerful, kind. As a 
pastor he was faithful, gentle, sympathetic. As a preacher 
he was plain, unaffected, and presented as nearly the mind 
of the Spirit in the text as he could. He was a com- 
panion to the young so that he held the young people to 
him and the Church. He was never known to com- 
promise what he believed to be the teaching of the Word 
of God, and yet all who differed in their belief had not 
only respect but a positive attachment for him. 

The congregation at White Oak will bear the impress 
of his teaching and character for many a year. 

Hemphill, William Ram- 
sey. — Born in Hopewell, 
Chester Co., S. C, March 
14, 1806; was a son of 
Rev. John Hemphill, D. 
D., a conspicuous figure 
in the history of the Asso- 
ciate Reformed Church 
for the first quarter of the 
19th century. 

It seems that he was 
kept back several years 
from his educational pur- 
suits, being engaged with 
his brother in a mercan- 
tile business in Providence, 




W. R. HEMPHILL, D. D. 



i6 4 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Mecklenburg Co., N. C, but in 183 1 he entered Jeffer- 
son College, Pa., then under the Presidency of Rev. 
Matthew Brown, D. D. He entered the junior class, 
and on the 4th of Oct., 1833, obtained a diploma. 

At the age of seventeen he had been admitted to the 
communion of the Church, being examined on that oc- 
casion by the Rev. William Blackstock, who happened 
to be present as an assistant to his father, and after his 
graduation he turned his attention to theology and entered 
the Seminary at Allegheny, at that time under the presi- 
dency of Dr. John T. Pressly. 

He attached himself to one of the Presbyteries about 
Pittsburg during his theological course, but that Presby- 
tery refused to license him on the ground that the can- 
didate was suspected of being somewhat heterodox on 
the subject of slavery. He returned South, and was 
licensed by the First Presbytery in June, 1836. 

In June, 1837, he was ordained and installed by the 
Second Presbytery pastor of Cedar Springs and Long 
Cane, Abbeville County, S. C. During the ten years of 
his pastorate he stulied hard, preached with all his might, 
spared neither body nor mind, and succeeded in laying 
the foundation of his ministerial fame. 

In 1848 he was elected by Synod to the Chair of 
Latin in Erskine College. This position he filled until 
the College was temporarily broken up by the war. In 
1871 he removed to Xew Hope, Madison Co., Ky., where 
he remained three or four years, until failing health 
caused his return to his old home. Due West. 

On May 10, 1837, Dr. Hemphill had married Miss 
Hannah Smith Lind, the daughter of the Rev. John 
Lind, who was for a long time pastor of the A. R. Church 
at Greencastle, Pa. To them were born five children, 
Airs. Hemphill died Oct. 5th, 1895, in the 87th year of 
her age, at Gen. R. R. Hemphill's, Abbeville, S. C. 

Attention has been directed to Dr. Hemphill as a stu- 
dent, as a pastor, and as a professor, he also merits some 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



attention as an agent, a thankless occupation, but one 
which the interest of the Church and of educational in- 
stitutions require to be performed. In 1851 he helped to 
raise money to pay for the erection of Lindsay Hall, in 
1853 to raise the old Endowment, since the war to get 
up the Five Year Endowment, and later, the $100,000 
Endowment. How much talking, how much explain- 
ing of things, how much reasoning with people, 
how many objections, how many unreasonable and 
hard things have to be listened to, how much 
traveling in bad weather over bad roads, what long 
periods of absence from home fall to the lot of the min- 
ister who occupies the unenviable position of an agent. 
A man whom most people do not want to see, and one 
whose absence is about as agreeable as his presence. This 
service Dr. Hemphill rendered the Church and the Col- 
lege with skill, perseverance, self-denial, and long-suffer- 
ing. He also enjoyed a wide reputation as a writer. 
His newspaper articles, if collected, would fill several vol- 
umes. These articles are on a variety of topics — agri- 
culture, trade, politics, literature, travel, and theology. 
The characteristics of his style were humor and piquancy. 

He was somewhat of a polemic, indulging occasional- 
ly in the controversial. About the year 1843 and 1844 
he was drawn into a controversy in the ''Charleston Ob- 
server' with "Charlestoniensis" (Dr. Thomas Smyth) 
on the subject of Psalmody. The fire was kept up for 
some time with spirit on both sides, neither party being 
willing to admit that he had been beaten. 

This well-known and highly esteemed minister depart- 
ed this life at his home in Due West, Abbeville county, 
S. C, on the morning of Friday, July 28, 1876, aged 70 
years, 4 months, and 14 days. 

Henry, Hugh McMaster, D. D. — Born at Hazlewood, 
Chester Co., S. C, Dec. 9, 1852, was a son of William J. 
and Sarah Henry. In his childhood, he experienced 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



some remarkable escapes — once from drowning, at an- 
other time from a coal-kiln with a burned leg, and again 
from the accidental discharge of a shotgun in the hands 
of Rev. Jno. A. White, then a boy with him. 

He enjoyed good educational advantages for the times, 
numbering among his instructors Mrs. Nancy Ratchford, 
Matthew Elder, James Hamilton and Miss Sarah Blain, 
regarded as excellent teachers. He graduated in Erskine 
College in 1874, joined the Church at Hopewell, S. C. 
He was received as a student of Theology by the Second 
Presbytery, at Due West, S. C, in the fall of 1874, and 
was licensed to preach by the same Presbytery, Sept. 
20, 1876, in Newberry or Prosperity, S. C, and ordained 
at Due West, S. C, Sept. 28, 1878. 

For 16 months he labored in the Arkansas Presbytery, 
in Drew, Bradly, Dorsey and Lincoln Counties, and three 
months at Sale)m, Covington Co., Ala. He declined a 
call to the pastorate of Saline, Ark., but accepted a call 
to Bethel, Ala., the latter part of 1878, and was installed 
over this congregation in the fall of 1879, where he con- 
tinues to labor. He received his degree of Doctor of Divin- 
ity from his Alma Mater. He is a man of strong person- 
ality, an original and striking character, devoted to his 
Church and her institutions. 

He was married October 4, 1881, at Due West, S. C, 
to Miss Mary Evelyn Young, a daughter of Rev. Jno. 
N. and Mrs. Euphemia E. (Strong) Young. She was 
born in Due West, S. C, Sept. 14, 1855. Eight children 
have been born unto them. 

Dr. Henry's grandfather was a Covenanter and lived 
some 86 or 87 years. Mrs. Henry was a granddaughter 
of the Rev. Charles Strong. One of her ancestors was 
killed while at worship during the Revolutionary War. 

Heron, Andrew, D. D. — Born and educated in Scot- 
land, came to the U. S. in 1807, and after finishing 
his literary studies under Dr. Alexander Bullions, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




ANDREW HERON, D. D. 



entered the first Protestant 
seminary the Associate or- 
ganized, at Service, Pa., 
April 21, 1794. The Char- 
tiers Presbytery gave him 
license Sept. 1, 1813, and 
.the Carolinas ordained and 
installed him pastor of Eb- 
enezer and Timber Ridge, 
Rockbridge Co., Va., April 
1st, 181 5. He entered zeal- 
ously and systematically 
upon this wide extended 
field, making full proof of 
his ministry. 



His talents were recognized as an educator as he held 
the Chair of Languages in Washington College, Lexing- 
ton, Va., (now W. and L. University), for four years, 
beginning in 181 5, as also Trustee for thirteen years. 
The Trustees were loathe to give him up. 

"Dr. Heron was a strong character and an able profes- 
sor." He was Moderator of the Associate Synod in 
1820, her stated clerk from 1827 to 1842, and a liberal, 
punctual and influential member of his Church courts. 
The Associate Synod at Pittsburg, Pa., Friday, Ma"y 
29th, 1829, resolved to engage in public covenanting. This 
was a very solemn service, the acknowledgment of sins 
and the signing of a bond. Dr. A. Heron preached the 
sermon on that memorable occasion. 

In May, 1832, a call was presented and accepted from 
Caesar's Creek, Green Co., Ohio, and on the 8th of Jan- 
uary, 1833, he was installed pastor, having removed 
from Virginia the preceding August. In this region he 
rounded out exactly 60 years of ministerial life, being 
licensed Sept. 1, 18 13, and his death occurring at Cedar- 
ville, Ohio, Sept. 1, 1873. 

Washington and Lee University bears unasked and im- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



partial testimony thus : "Dr. Heron possessed strong 
mental powers as well as strong religious principles. He 
was also both scholarly and literary. His memory was 
wonderfully retentive. Toward the last, when blindness 
cut him off from his great resource of reading he en- 
tertained those around him by pouring out from 
the stores of his memory an astonishing variety 
of knowledge. Shortly before his death he repeatecl 
the whole of the one hundred and fifty Psalms in the 
Scotch metrical version. When 83 years old he 
got a severe fall, which confined him to bed for 
some time, during which period he composed a sermon, 
"The Angels at School," by which he was so inspired as 
to rise from his bed, and hobbling on crutches go from 
church to church preaching his new sermon, and con- 
ducting all the services with accuracy and propriety, al- 
though he could neither see nor hear. Thus ended the 
career of a strong, good man, of the brave old Cameron- 
ian type." 

Hernandez, Ines Rev. — Son of Eutimio Hernandez and 
Sostenes Morato, was born in an Indian village, Chontla, 
State of Vera Cruz, on the 20th of April, 1850. His father 
was a gambler and passed the most of the time going 
from one fandango to another, and so the son was raised 
in the midst of vice and poverty. He never had any 
shoes until he was twelve years old, his dress being the 
primitive wear for children among the Indians fifty years 
ago. He enjoyed no educational advantages until he was 
eighteen years old, and then for only ten months. He 
read what books he could find, and was of a religious 
turn of mind, but his father forbade him to go to the 
Catholic church. He never inclined to the vice of his 
father, though he was taught in all the tricks of gam- 
bling. 

He worked in the primitive way that farming is yet 
done in that section. After marriage he was ap- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



169 



pointed a teacher at Chiconcillo in the Municipal- 
ity of Tantimar. In August, 1882, God in His 
Providence, called the Missionary from Tampico, through 
the instrumentality of young Zenon Zaleta, who had 
been sent from Chiconcillo to Tampico to learn the 
blacksmith trade, and who was converted in Tampico. 
The missionary and young Zaleta spent six weeks in Chi- 
concillo in 1882, and Sr. Hernandez was then in charge 
of the school. The missionary left the congregation gath- 
ered in his first visit, of which Sr. Hernandez had been the 
most active, in his care and from that time he began a 
course of study under the missionary, preparatory to the 
ministry. He was received as member of the Church 
on a public profession of faith and baptized in November, 
1882. 

As the congregation grew and the work began to 
spread out, and as there had been no organization of a 
Presbytery in the missionary field, he was given a mis- 
sionary's license to preach, and resigning from the pub- 
lic school, he devoted his whole time to the care of the 
Church and study, which was carried on largely by cor- 
respondence. It was the custom of the missionary in 
Tampico to visit Chiconcillo twice a year, spending a 
month each visit. During this time studies were re- 
viewed, explained and developed. After the organization 
of the Tampico Presbytery, he was by it ordained in 
1888. 

His field was the most encouraging in the >nission, but 
many things have conspired to bring schisms in the 
Church and vicinity, from which the Church has suffered. 
His expositions of Scripture were clear, his sermons all 
carefully prepared and his ministrations acceptable. 

In 1872 he was united in matrimony to Srita Rosa- 
ria Lugo by the civil authority and also by the Catholic 
Church. Their children number five : Sara, Alberto, 
Lioba, Sandalio and Juan Ebenezer. The two eldest 
are dead, and the youngest, named for Dr. J. E. Pressly, 
is in the training school at Rio Verde. 



170 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Hickman, Rev. Leans. — Was born on Kerr's Creek, 
Rockbridge Co., Ya., May 30, 1874. His father, Lewis 
Hickman, was of English, while his mother was of 
Scotch-Irish descent. He was educated in Lexington, 
Ya., where he spent two years in the High School, and 
three in the Washington and Lee University. 

He spent two years in Erskine Theological Semin- 
ary, graduating in 1900. He was licensed by the First 
Presbytery, May 8, 1900. He supplied Ebenezer and 
Hinkston, Ky. that summer and fall. He then began 
work at Zion, Ark. He was ordained by the Virginia 
Presbytery Feb. 6, 1901, and was installed pastor of Zion, 
Ark., May 16, 1902. He was married to Miss Carrie 
Hood of Sardis, Mecklenburg Co., X. C, Feb. 27, 1901. 
While a student of theology he offered himself to the 
Board of Foreign Missions. He was accepted but not 
sent out at the time for want of means. 

Mr. Hickman's brief ministry has been crowned with 
marked success and he ranks with those who have a 
passion for souls, and are willing to spend and be spent 
in his Master's service. 




R. E. HOUGH. 



Hough. Rev. R. E.— 
Was born in Lancaster 
Co., S. C, May 1st, 1874, 
near Gill's Creek, A. R. 
Church. His early educa- 
tional advantages were 
limited, owing to the death 
of his father, and poor 
country schools. One term 
in the Lancaster, Graded 
school training were all 
the educational advantages 
enjoyed until he entered 
Erskine College in 1893. 
Mr. Hough graduated in 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



171 



1897, and completed his Seminary course in 1898, having 
taken one year of the Seminary course in connection with 
the senior year in Erskine. 

He was licensed by the First Presbytery in Charlotte, 
N. C, April 5th, 1898, and was ordained at a called meet- 
ing of the same Presbytery at New Sterling, N. C, Nov. 
26th. Revs. J. C. Boyd, J. H. Pressly and E. B. Ander- 
son officiating. His first work was done in Iredell and 
Alexander Counties in 1898, at Amity, Elk Shoals, Hid- 
denite and Taylorsville, remaining in this field until 
March, 1899. The same year on May 31st, he was 
called to Back Creek,. N. C, three-fourths of his time to 
be given to Back Creek and one fourth to Prosperity. 
He was installed July 1st, 1899, R ev - J- T. Chalmers 
presiding, Rev. R. G. Miller preaching and addressing 
the people and Rev. S. J. Patterson its pastor. On the 
28th of August, 1902, Mr. Hough accepted a call to 
Wrens and Ebenezer, Ga., Revs. H. B. Blakely and 
R. F. Bradley officiating. Though preaching regularly 
at Prosperity, N. C, he was never pastor there. Mr. 
Hough is at present pastor of Wrens and Ebenezer, Ga. 
He was married to Miss Nannie Roddey of Rock Hill, 
S. C, in the A. R. Church of that city Dec. 6th, 1899. 
She belongs to a distinguished family and is in every way 
a most efficient and worthy helpmeet and wife. 

Mr. Hough's ministerial life has been eminently suc- 
cessful. His preaching is in much plainness, unction and 
power, and his work as pastor earnest and evangelical. 

Hood, James Boyce. — Was born in Sardis congrega- 
tion, N. C, Mecklenburgh Co., August 28, 1868. His 
father was John Richard Hood, and his mother was Mary 
Ann Hunter. He received his primary education in the 
school at Sardis, then spent three years in the High 
School at Huntersville, N. C. He spent four years in 
Erskine College and two in Erskine Theological Semi- 
nary. He was graduated from the former June, 1894, 



172 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




J. E. HOOD. 



and from the latter June, 
1896. He was a pious 
youth, connecting with the 
church under Rev. John 
Hunter, at Sardis, in 1883. 
He was taken under the 
care of the First Presby- 
tery as a student of Theol- 
ogy, at Hopewell, S. C, in 
Sept., 1894, and was li- 
censed by the same Pres- 
bytery at Gastonia, N. C, 
and ordained at Charlotte, 
N. C, by a called meeting 
Dec. 15, 1896. 



He was ordained without a call because he was to go 
to the mission at Bartow, Fla., and it was thought best 
that a man occupying this mission be ordained. He 
remained only four months at Bartow, when he accepted 
a call to the pastorate of Kings Creek and Head Springs, 
in Newberry, S. C. The installation took place on Satur- 
day before the second Sabbath of October, 1897. He 
continued to labor successfully here till a call was pre- 
sented in May, 1902, from the united charge of Blanche 
and Prosperity congregations of Lincoln Co., Tenn. He 
was installed over these churches July, 1902. He is 
doing a good work there. 

Hunter, John. — "During the years beginning 1768 and 
ending 1773, the North of Ireland was drained of more 
than one-fourth of its population." During this period 
came Henry Hunter and Martha (Sloan), having mar- 
ried in the old country. They made their way from 
Charleston, S. C. When about 1788, Watts' version of 
the Psalms was unwillingly thrust on a minority at Pop- 
lar Tent, he with others organized Prosperity A. R. 
church, Mecklenburg Co., N. C. From such descended 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



J 73 



a grandson, John, son of Thomas and Margaret, Nov. 
13th, 1814, in Mecklenburg Co., N. C. Spending two 
years in Jefferson College, Pa., he graduated in 1841. 
After a full course in the Seminary at Due West, S. C, 
he was licensed by the First Presbytery, April 18, 1843. 
Serving vacancies in the First Presbytery, in the early 
summer of 1844, in Virginia and West Virginia, he was 
ordained and installed pastor of Back Creek, Prosperity 
and Gilead, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, July 24th, 1844. 
From the two latter he was released April 14th, 1851. 

In consequence of ill health he demitted Back Creek 
Sept. 5th, 1855, and removed to Allegheny Co., N. C, 
where the next year he organized Laurel Spring congre- 
gation from some families who had removed there from 
Mecklenburg and other counties. After some three years 
service this colony removing and his health improved, 
he was installed pastor of Sardis congregation, N.C., Jan. 
11, 1859. Always zealous in shepherding his flock and in 
mission work, in 1874 a ring of his congregation built 
Ebenezer to the west. In 1886 Thyatira to the east 
erected a house of worship. As soon as this house 
could be used he appointed preaching March, 1886, and 
came, tied his horse to a bush and as he pulled through 
the brush to reach the door remarked : "This looks like 
the church was breaking forth on the right hand and left. 
This is the second daughter of Sardis." He then read 
1 Cor., 13 Chapter, and taking for his text verse 13, be- 
gan his sermon. In a few minutes it was seen that some 
thing was wrong. As he seemed to be falling, his son, 
Dr. L. W. Hunter caught him. He was paralyzed. This 
was the first service in Thyatira and his last effort to 
preach. This charge was demitted Aug. 31, 1886. He 
lingered for nearly four years, ripening for that heaven 
to which he had so often directed sorrowing hearts, 
falling asleep May 16, 1890. July 18th, 1843, ms n ^ e was 
linked in matrimony with Miss Isabella H. Peoples of 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C. She was the mother of his four 



174 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



children. Some time after her death he contracted a sec- 
ond marriage with Mrs. Martha Simonton Bell of 
Fairfield Co., S. C, Dec. 10, 1861, whose death again 
left him bereaved May 9th, 1865. He was married the 
third time, Oct. 9th, 1866, to Miss Mary Ann McDill of 
Chester Co., S. C. Her death occurred June 27th, 1894. 

Rev. John Hunter was scrupulously honest and con- 
scientious in his business dealings. 

A most indulgent and kind hearted father and hus- 
band and given to hospitality his home was a bright spot 
for his family and a benediction for guests. As a pastor 
he was kind, sympathizing and faithful, and his minis- 
try was blessed. 

As a preacher he was in some respects unique, full of 
beautiful, lofty imagery, such as his celebrated "eagle," 
sermon. He caught the attention from the first and 
there was not a listless ear nor a sleepy hearer. His pe- 
culiar intonation, his commanding, tall for^n, his in- 
tensely earnest manner, the vividness of his imagination 
the freedom of his extempore speech made him an in- 
tensely interesting speaker. The writer heard in 1878 
Dr. John Hall of New York in Atlanta, Ga. In manner 
and gesture and impressiveness he reminded us of Father 
Hunter. 

Intensely loyal in his convictions, a strict construction- 
ist, a master of wit and sarcasm, a dangerous antagon- 
ist in debate, a magnetism, an enthusiasm that stirred, 
all this with tireless energy and nerves of steel he laid on 
the altar of God's glory. Eternity alone will reveal the 
trophies of forty-seven years ministry. 

Hunter, James Samuel Amzi. — Son of Lorenzo and 
Anna Boyce Hunter, was born at Sardis, N. C., Nov. 13, 
1847. Early in life he felt the strivings of the Spirit and 
prayed God to send some one to talk to him about his 
( salvation. His prayer was answered. He was received 
into Sardis church. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



175 




J. S. A. HUNTER. 



Having finished his aca- 
demic studies at Sardis 
school, he entered Erskine 
College in 1869, graduat- 
ing in 187 1. At once he 
decided for the ministry 
and was received by the 
First Presbytery in 1871. 
Completing his theological 
studies in the theological 
Seminary at Due West, he 
was by the First Presby- 
tery licensed in 1873 at 
Ebenezer church and or- 
dained at Sardis in 1874. 



He was married to Emma Jane McDill of Due West, 
S. C, March 22, 1877, who, after a life of rare faithful- 
ness and singular beauty in the service of her Lord fell 
asleep in Jesus at Ciudad del Maiz Nov. 12, 1901. To 
them were born seven daughters and two sons. 

From 1873 to 1879 ne labored in Arkansas Presbytery 
with the exception of the year 1876, which was spent in 
the Kentucky Presbytery. Nov. 28, 1879, ne was m ~ 
stalled over Hickory Springs and Shady Grove congre- 
gations of the Arkansas Presbytery, which pastoral 
relation existed till 1887, when Synod appointed him and 
Mrs. Hunter as Foreign Missionaries to Mexico. Al- 
ready they had been considering the claims of Foreign 
Missions, hence they received Synod's appointment as 
God's open door. At once they heeded the call, leaving 
for Tampico, Mexico, where they studied the Spanish 
for one year. They were assigned to Ciudad del Maiz 
in the State of San Luis Potosi, where they have labored 
spending and being spent for the salvation of that, and 
the surrounding towns. Ciudad del Maiz was most 
fanatical and would have proved too much for their 
faith had they not learned already to draw heavily on the 



176 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



strength of Him who said "Lo, I am with you always." 
So bitter was the opposition that at first none would at- 
tend the services. Often rocks were thrown in the room 
where the services were held. 

Though seemingly they were spending their strength 
for naught, they labored on till after two years the Lord 
of the harvest gladdened their heart by the reception of 
11 charter members in the Church. Up to 1903 his 
efforts have fruited in the reception of 82 members, two 
of whom have entered the Gospel ministry. 

From the first this worker has learned the supreme im- 
portance of putting the Bible into the hands of the people. 
Wherever he goes he carries a few Bibles and tracts and 
in season and out of season he seeks to sow thus beside 
all waters. 

To a large extent he has felt the motive power that 
constrained Paul, to free himself from the blood of all 
men by giving the Gospel to all within his reach. Within 
a radius of a hundred miles he visits the ranches on 
horseback, which costs no little sacrifice. However he 
endures it all as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 

On Oct. 28th, 1903, Mr. Hunter was married the 
second time to Miss Rosemma Virginia Beamer of Al- 

Hunter,Mrs.J.S.A. — The name of 
the late Mrs. J. S. A. Hunter is justly 
dear to an extensive circle of surviv- 
ing relatives and friends ; it is held 
in affectionate remembrance by thous- 
ands of the A. R. P. Church. 

Her maiden name was Emma Jane 
McDill, daughter of William Wiley 
McDill and Jane Taylor McDill. She 
was born at Newberry, So. Ca., on the 
1 8th of May, 1855. We have no event 
in her early life worthy of particular 
record in a sketch of this nature. 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



177 



When quite young, her family moved to Abbeville County, 
S. C, and settled near Due West. She enjoyed the edu- 
cational advantages offered at Due West, which were 
all calculated to develop her and prepare her for a useful 
life. She graduated from the Due West Female College 
under the Presidency of the late Dr. J. I. Bonner, in the 
class of 1873. 

Raised up and tutored in the spiritual atmosphere of 
which Due West is proverbial, she was, when yet a girl, 
admitted into full membership of the Church, during 
the pastorate of Dr. W. L. Pressly, and, as she grew in 
years and experience, by her uniform piety and the zeal- 
ous ardor she displayed, she became not only a pillar in 
the Church, but an ornament to the cause of missionary 
labor. 

On the 22nd of March, 1877, she was wedded to the 
Rev. J. S. A. Hunter at the home of Dr. James Boyce 
near Due West by Dr. W. M. Grier. Shortly after the 
marriage she went with her husband to his field of labor 
in the State of Arkansas. As a pastor's wife, she took 
an active part in her husband's work and was beloved 
by the members of the two congregations he served. 

About ten years after their settlement in Arkansas, she 
became 1 deeply impressed with the foreign missionary 
work, and, as the Church of her choice and love was 
calling for a teacher in the Mexican field, it found an 
earnest response in her heart. With her husband, their 
services were tendered to the Foreign Missionary Board, 
as missionaries to Mexico. The meeting of the Board, 
at which they were formally accepted, was held on the 
26th of September, 1887, and the following is the minute 
on record : 

"Whereas, The Board believes that it is advisable to 
send out two missionaries into the Mexican field, a male 
and a female, and, 

Whereas, The Board believes that the Rev. J. S. A. 
Hunter and his wife, Mrs. Emma Hunter, are eminently 
12 



i 7 8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



suitable for this work ; therefore resolved : That they 
be cordially recommended to Synod as co-laborers for 
our missionary in Mexico." This resolution was ap- 
proved by Synod and the new missionaries were ordered 
to proceed at the earliest convenience to their field. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hunter arrived at Tampico, Mexico, 
in January, 1888. About one year was spent in Talmpico 
in the study of the Spanish language. The town of El 
Maiz, State of San Luis Potosi, was chosen by the Board 
for the scene of their labors, and in May, 1889, they re- 
paired to their future home. 

In Mrs. Hunter, her husband had a most devoted and 
faithful co-worker. Her work in the school and in the 
Church lives, as a precious ointment poured forth. In 
complete confidence, she dedicated her self in body and 
soul to the Master, and His service and His work was 
her meat and drink. The benighted, the ignorant and 
the poor, found in her one, who would minister to their 
necessities, spiritual and temporal, with the most patient 
attention and affectionate sympathy. She was an affec- 
tionate wife and a good mother. She was the mother 
of seven children, four of whom survive her, Mrs. 
Ximena Reid, Misses Katrina and Elveree and James 
Hunter. 

Amid the preparation, and in anticipation of a mission- 
ary tour in company with her husband to the ranchos 
adjacent to their center of work, the call of the Master 
came. After a brief illness of about eight days and in 
intense suffering, which she bore with Christian forti- 
tude, her spirit took its flight. She fell on sleep at the 
missionary home in El Maiz, the scene of her missionary 
labors, on the 12th of November, 1901, and her body 
rests in the city cemetery of her adopted home. Her 
death was peaceful — a triumph. 

A while before her death she said : "My peace is mar- 
velous." To her children in the United States, the fol- 
lowing is a part of her last message, "I have always 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



179 



loved you with a great love, and had a faint hope to go 
back and unite my love with yours in my declining 
years, but God has indicated to me now a more glorious 
home. And I want you to participate of the celestial 
joy I feel to-day and not to weep for me. Farewell ! 
till you come up higher." The funeral services were 
directed and the sermon preached by the Rev. J. R. 
Edwards. The members of the Church, which she 
helped to plant and nurture, and a large concourse of 
friends followed all that was mortal of Mrs. Hunter to 
her last resting place. 



Mrs. Hunter was the author of a small volume of 
prayers in Spanish. 



of theology by the First Presbytery, at Pisgah, N. C, and 
prosecuted his studies in Erskine Seminary, being li- 
censed by the First Presbytery, at Union Church in Sept., 
1874. He was sent to the mission at Charlotte, N. C, 



"Soldier of the Cross, well done, 
Rest from thy lov'd employ; 

The battle's fought, the victory's won, 
Enter thy Master's joy." 




W. M. HUNTER 



Hunter, William May. 
—Rev. W. M. Hunter is 
the son of Robert B. Hun- 
ter and Rebecca M. Jones, 
and was born in Mecklen- 
burg Co., N. C, Feb. 1st, 
1850. He was the son of 
godly parents, and was 
well trained in the home. 
He graduated from Er- 
skine College in 1872, in 
a class of nineteen, nine 
of whom became minis- 
ters. In Sept., 1872, he 
was received as a student 



i8o 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



in Oct., 1874, and was ordained at that place, Oct. 19th, 
1875. He spent three years at Charlotte, and then spent 
one year as stated supply at White Oak and Doraville, 
Ga. 

In September, 1878, he was installed pastor of New 
Stirling and Elk Shoals,, N. C. While laboring in this 
charge he began preaching at Salem, or Hiddenite as it 
is is now called, and by order of the Presbytery organ- 
ized a church there in 1883. While pastor of these 
churches, the house of worship was built at Elk Shoals, 
and from April, 1884, to April 1885, ne was stated sup- 
ply at Amity, N. C. In October, 1888, Mr. Hunter de- 
mitted his charge, and removed to Huntersville, N. C, and 
was Professor of Greek and Mathematics in the Hunters- 
ville High School from October, 1888 to December, 1892. 

While professor in the H. H. School he began to labor 
at Prosperity Church in Mecklenburg Co., N. C, and 
was installed pastor in October, 1889, and continued un- 
til February, 1896. Fie was installed pastor at Gilead, 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C, in May, 1893, and continued 
pastor until December, 1898. In December, 1898, he 
removed to Monitor, West Virginia, and became stated 
supply at New Lebanon, where he still continues. 

Mr. Hunter was "married in Charlotte, N. C, Sept. 
nth, 1877, to Miss Martha Monica Nisbet, who has 
borne him six children, four of whom are living. Mrs. 
Hunter is the daughter of John Nisbet and Jane Ross, 
and was born near Coddle Creek, Cabanas Co., N. C. 
May 16th, 1850. 

Irvin, Robert. — Or Irwin as the name is sometimes 
spelled, was born in Ireland, but no definite record has 
been left of the exact date and place of his birth, or of 
his parentage. He was, without doubt, born of pious 
parents, who gave him the advantages of whatever mea- 
gre educational facilities their circumstances allowed. 

He studied theology under Rev. Alexander Porter, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



181 



pastor at Cedar Springs, and was one of the three elders 
present when the Second Presbytery was -organized at 
Cedar Springs, April 8, 1801. At this meeting of Pres- 
bytery "Father" Irwin was received as a student of the- 
ology, and on Nov. 18, 1802, he was ordained at Long 
Cane. His trial discourse on this occasion seems to have 
been of a length at least, to satisfy the most exacting of 
"auld lichts." It called forth the remark of one of the 
elder Calhouns going home, "He told us all that ever had 
transpired, all that is now transpiring, and if they had 
only let him alone, I suppose that he would have told 
us all that was to come." It seems that they stopped 
him at the end of the second head, for want of time 
probably. 

For nearly two years after his ordination he acted as 
stated supply at Long Cane, and Cedar Springs. Some 
time in his early ministerial history he received a call to 
Due West Corner. In 1803 he was installed pastor of 
Generostee, and here he lived and labored until his death, 
Sept. 9, 1823. This pastorate of twenty (20) years was 
the only one he ever held. 

His first wife, Miss Little, of Jefferson Co., Ga., lived 
but a short time, and after his settlement at Generostee, 
he married Eleanor Gordon, sister of John Gordon, and 
Aunt of Rev. Gilbert and Niel Gordon. They had no 
children, but an adopted son lived with them and cared 
for Mrs. Irwin until her death, forty-two years after that 
of her husband. 

Mr. Irwin purchased a portion of land 255 acres, near 
the church where he resided, and in his will bequeathed 
the land to Generostee Church, the income each year to 
support the Gospel in that church. Mrs. Irwin was to 
remain on the land as long as she lived, and after her 
death the proceeds were to go to the support of the 
pastor. 

Mr. Irwin was very "near-sighted," so much so that 
he could do no manual labor, so his whole time was de- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



voted to his pastoral work and pulpit exercises. He 
had the greatest part of the Bible committed to memory, 
and when the Sabbath day came the whole day was lit- 
erally spent in the worship of God." 

Johnston, J. Ervin. — Rev. J. E. Johnston is the son of 
Thomas Johnston and Sarah Bourland Neill,and was born 
near Antrim, Ohio, Dec. 12th, 1856. He graduated at 
Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, in 1886, and 
was received as a student of theology by the Mononga- 
hela Presbytery of the U. P. Church, in Dec, 1890. He 
attended McCormick, Allegheny, and Erskine Semina- 
ries, and was licensed by the Second Presbytery of the 
A. R. P. Church in April 1891, and was ordained by the 
same Presbytery in Nov., 1891. 

After preaching for awhile at Neely's Creek, S. C, 
he had charge of the mission in Atlanta, Ga., from Aug., 
1 89 1, until June, 1893. He afterwards supplied churches 
at Salem, Ala., Sharon, Gill's Creek, and Buford Monu- 
ment in S. C, and was installed pastor of New Hope, 
in Fairfield Co., S. C, in May, 1897, and continued pas- 
tor until Jan., 1900, when he resigned and removed to 
Fillmore, California, and is stated supply of a Presby- 
terian Church at that place. 

Mr. Johnston was married at Due West, S. C, Sept. 
19th, 1892, to Miss Anna Young, daughter of Rev. J. 
N. Young, for forty years Professor of Mathematics in 
Erskine College. Mrs. Johnston was born at Due West, 
S. C, Dec. 28th, 1858, and is the mother of three chil- 
dren. 

Johnson, Oliver. — The fifth child of Henry McKinney 
Johnson and Alary Eliza Bouchillon, was born at Bor- 
deaux, in Abbeville ■ County, South Carolina, July 30, 
1866; was graduated from Erskine College, June 27, 
1888, and from the Princeton Theological Seminary May 
8, 1894; was licensed to preach May 18, 1893, by the Sec- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



183 




ond A. R. Presbytery in 
session at Due West, S. C, 
having at that time com- 
pleted two years of the 
theological course at 
Princeton; spent the sum- 
mer of 1893 with the 
church in Atlanta; sup- 
plied the pulpit of the First 



A. R. P. Church at Char- 



CLIVER JOHNSON. 



lotte during the summer of 
1894, the regular pastor 
being absent for surgical 
treatment; was installed as 
pastor of the Associate Re- 



formed Presbyterian Church at Leslie, in York County, 
S. C, October 18, 1894; was married October 30, 1901, 
to Miss Tirzah Christine Elliott, of Winnsboro, S. C, a 
daughter of the late Henry Laurens Elliott and Tirzah 
Christine Ketchin, daughter of Thomas Ketchin. 

Mr. Johnson, in May, 1900, bore the fraternal greet- 
ings of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod of 
the South to the General Assembly of the United Pres- 
byterian Church in session at Chicago. He was an in- 
vited speaker at the Young People's Christian Union 
Convention, held at Winona Lake, Ind., in July, 1901, 
and, as representing the "Seceders" of the South, was 
presented on the floor of the convention with a gavel 
made of wood from Gairney Bridge, Scotland. Under 
the words "Gairney Bridge" on the gavel was inscribed 
the date, "December, 1733," the latter being the year in 
which Ebenezer Erskine and his coadjutors met at Gair- 
ney Bridge and organized the movement which came to 
be popularly known in Scotland as the "Secession" 
Church, and which was the progenitor in this country 
of the "Associate Reformed Presbyterian" Church, the 
members of which are still familiarly known as "Se- 
ceders." 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Mr. Johnson, by election of the Synod, has been a 
director of the Erskine Theological Seminary since No- 
vember, 1897, and a member of the Board of Home Mis- 
sions since November, 1900. 

Mr. Johnson, while in college, was awarded the med- 
als offered by the Euphemian Literary Society to best 
declaimer in Freshman class and best essayist in Junior 
class; was declared winner in essay contest, had between 
members selected from Euphemian and Philomathean 
Societies ; was orator in his Junior year to present di- 
plomas of Euphemian Society to its graduating mem- 
bers, and spokesman in his Senior year to respond for 
his classmates on receiving the Society diplomas; made 
the "Senior Farewell" in the "Class Day" exercises of 
his graduation year. 

Mr. Johnson, by invitation, has officiated as chaplain 
in both the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States Congress. In his speech, vigor of thought, 
strength and simplicity in expression, are marked char- 
acteristics. 

Mr. Johnson, on the side of his mother, is of the 
Huguenot stock which settled at Bordeaux in Abbeville 
County, S. C, in 1764; on the side of his father, his an- 
cestors were among the early settlers in East Tennessee. 
The married life of his paternal grandparents, to whom 
thirteen children, his father being the fourth, were born, 
was forty-nine years, five months and ten days ; the mar- 
ried life of his maternal grandparents, to whom fifteen 
children, his mother being the ninth, were born, was fifty- 
two years, eight months and ten days. 

Kennedy, Isaac _ Newton. — Son of William Patton 
Kennedy and Margaret Elizabeth McLain, was born 
August 5, 1874, at Wideman's, Abbeville Co., S. C. He 
attended several primary country schools, also at Due 
West, S. C. He entered Erskine College and graduated 
in June, 1893. He joined the church at Due West, S. C, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




I. N. KENNEDY, 



in 1887, and was received 
as a student of Theology 
by the Second Presbytery 
at Doraville, Ga., in Octo- 
ber, 1893, an d prosecuted 
his Theological studies at 
Erskine Theological Semi- 
nary at Due West, S. C. 
He was licensed at Wel- 
ford, S. C, April 13, 
1895, and was called to 
the pastorate of Elk Val- 
ley church, Lincoln Co., 
Tenn., in October of that 
year, and ordained and in- 
stalled Nov. 10, 1895, an d 
there continues to labor. 
He was married in Newberry Co., S. C, November 
22, 1899, t° Miss Mary Emma Carlisle. She was born 
in Newberry, S. C, October 16, 1878, and is a daughter 
of Dr. Richard Coleman Carlisle and Emma E. Ren- 
wick. Three children have been born unto them. 

Kennedy, Rev. E. B. — 
The parents of Rev. E. B. 
Kennedy were Mr. Wil- 
liam Patton Kennedy and 
Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth 
McClain Kennedy. He 
was born on Long Cane 
Creek, in the southern 
part of Abbeville County, 
South Carolina. When he 
was still a small boy, his 
parents removed to Due 
West, in the northern part 
of said county. 

The object of this move 
was to get closer to the colle 




E. B. KENNEDY. 

ges located in that town, in 



1 86 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



which they intended to educate their large family of chil- 
dren. Of these, there were eight, four boys and four 
girls, living at that time, and of school age. 

At an early age, Mr. Kennedy was entered as a stu- 
dent in Erskine College; and at the end of a four years' 
course of study, was graduated, while still rather under 
the usual age, in the summer of 1889. 

On leaving college, he taught school six years, three 
of which was in the common schools in South Carolina 
and Alabama. From the fall of 1892 until the close of 
the collegiate year in 1894, he filled the chair of Greek 
and German in Erskine College. During the year 1895, 
he took a course of study in Yale College, and was given 
the degree of Master of Arts by that institution. Re- 
turning to Due West for a short time, he accepted a 
school in Victoria, Texas, where he taught one year. 

When the session of 1896 opened in the Theological 
Seminary at Due West, he entered it. 

He completed the course in the Seminary in two years, 
and at the close of the session in 1898, received licen- 
sure. 

Before he was licensed, Mr. Kennedy received a call 
from the congregation at Bartow, Florida, to become the 
pastor of that people, as soon as his studies in the Semi- 
nary would be finished. As he had signified his intention 
to accept this call, Presbytery had arranged that his or- 
dination should, as soon as convenient follow licen- 
sure; and that the Revs. C. S. Young and S. W. Reid 
should provide for, and conduct the services of installa- 
tion at Bartow, Florida. 

In the early part of July, he reached Bartow, and 
preached his first sermon on the second Sabbath (10th) 
of that month. 

On the third Sabbath (20th) of August, 1898, the 
brethren named above, in the presence of a large, appre- 
ciative audience, and a delighted congregation, performed 
the solemn services of installation. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



I8 7 



The Bartow members had been aware from the first, 
that, to call a young and promising minister to take 
charge of a small congregation not yet beyond the 
changes incident to frontier life, far removed from other 
churches of his own denomination, and he a minister 
that could easily find a home in a larger, wealthier, and 
more central congregation, was asking him to make a 
great sacrifice. They soon found, however, that it was 
the preference of the one they had selected to build for 
himself rather than on another's foundation. 

To this character of the work, Mr. Kennedy at once 
addressed his efforts. The building has not been as 
rapid as he doubtless hoped, still his labors have never 
relaxed; and, if removals were less active, he would to- 
day have a congregation ranking among the fullest in 
numbers in his Presbytery. 

Kennedy, James. — Reinforcing Revs. Armstrong and 
Fulton, pioneer Associate ministers to Kentucky, came 
this licentiate in 1796, of Irish birth, 1768, and Scottish 
education. Spending some time in mission work in 
Washington, Knox and Blount counties, Tenn., he was 
ordained and installed by the Kentucky Presbytery, 1807, 
pastor of Salem, Knox Co. Here he labored faithfully 
far from the elbow touch of his brethren of like precious 
faith till April 24th, 1826. The next year he was called 
to his reward. He left a son and namesake, who was a 
loyal and intelligent Psalm-singer and liberally sup- 
ported the church of his fathers. 

Ketchen, Thomas. — Was born in the village of How- 
gate, Midlothain Co., Scotland, either March 3rd or 8th, 
1786. At 11, after attending school, he served as shep- 
herd boy each alternate day with Robert Cranston. 

At about 17, after three years' preparation for college, 
he, with his shepherd friend, entered Edinburg Univer- 
sity. Three sessions were spent there. He then entered 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



the Divinity Hall of his denomination — the Associate 
Anti-Burgher— under Prof. Paxton, a learned and elo- 
quent divine. 

After a full course of five or six sessions, licensure 
was granted July 19th, 1815, after a rigorous examina- 
tion. The next Sabbath he occupied the pulpit of the late 
John Brown of Haddington. His first work was on 
Strowsa, one of the Orkney Isles. Urged by his Pres- 
bytery to accept a call made out for him there that year, 
he declined, probably because of the rigor of that high 
latitude. 

After mission work for some four years, his Synod, 
May 3d, 1820, appointed him "to go to Nova Scotia, 
Canada or the States of America." Landing at Halifax, 
N. S., an invitation was extended him by the Scotch 
Church to remain with them. This he declined, and 
landing at New York, passed into the Philadel- 
phia Presbytery (Associate) and was ordained by 
this court December 7, 1820. During that winter 
we infer he supplied New Lebanon, West Virginia, 
and Shiloh, Lancaster Co., S. C, as calls were presented 
from both these charges in the spring of 1821. The lat- 
ter was accepted and his installation occurred Dec, 182 1. 
The Synod had advanced him a $100.00. This Shiloh 
refunded and added $80.00. "Such exemplary liberality 
the Synod consider deserving of honorable mention." 
He preached his first sermon at Knob Creek, Cleveland 
Co., N. C, where he was destined to end his labors and 
his remains rest awhile. His field, Shiloh and Neely's 
Creek, was large, containing in 1821 one hundred and 
twenty-four families and two hundred and thirty mem- 
bers. Ten years later there were 167 families and 308 
communicants. Having labored faithfully, he was led, 
March 28th, 1832, to decline the authority of the Asso- 
ciate Synod because of her recent act on slavery. After 
negotiations with the First Presbytery, he and his Shi- 
loh charge, Neely's Creek declining, were admitted into 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



the A. R. P. Church, April 7, 1834. Neely's Creek was 
demitted in the summer of 1833 and Shiloh, because of 
insufficient support, May 29, 1839. 

About 1840 he began stated supply of Winnsboro, 
Fairfield Co., S. C, and Perry's Church, Lancaster Co., 
S. C. Installed pastor of the former March 8th, 1844, 
his official connection ceased April 20th, 1852. Remov- 
ing from thence to Cleveland Co., N. C, he preached at 
Knob Creek and other points. Here, while preparing a 
sermon he was smitten with a fatal malady, Sept. 26th, 
1855. His remains were re-interred at Shiloh. 

Father Ketchen was twice -married, first to Miss Mary 
Mcllwaine, Feb. 23rd, 1823. Her death having occurred 
Miss Margaret Beaty became his second wife Aug. 17th, 
1841. 

Though well indoctrinated and mighty in the Scrip- 
tures, his forte, says Dr. James Boyce, "Was at the head 
of the communion table where he seemed to lay out his 
whole power. It was wonderful to see the power with 
which he expatiated upon a Saviour's love, to witness the 
fluency and animated declaration with which his en- 
kindled mind discharged itself upon the communicants 
seated at the table before him and upon a delightful au- 
dience. When we saw that countenance kindled up with 
expressiveness and love to Christ, and him crucified, 
together with his promises portrayed to his people, we 
were tempted to think that whatever the Lord's table and 
the sacramental occasion may have been to others under 
his administration they were to him a Bethel, the house 
of God and the gate of heaven. 

Kerr, Rev. David James Harvey. — Was born March 
21, 1837, at the Waxhaws, Lancaster Co., S. C. He was 
the son of Maj. Jennings B. and Mrs. Jane (Walkup) 
Kerr. He graduated from Erskine College in 1858. He 
studied theology in Erskine Theological Seminary, and 
was licensed by the Second Presbytery in Aug., i860. 



190 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Synod sent him to Arkansas the same year. He supplied 
Pisgah, Ark., until May, 1863. He was married March 
5, 1862, to Miss Nannie R. Oates, a daughter of J. F. 
Oates and a niece of Rev. M. Oates. He was ordained 
by the Arkansas Presbytery May 9, 1863. From that 
date until 1866, he was in Drew Co., Ark., teaching school 
and supplying vacancies. In 1866 he connected himself 
with the Presbyterian Church in the United States. He 
died May 9, 1874. His wife died May 2. Five small 
children were left to the care of his sisters, Mrs. H. F. 
Sloan, Mrs. DeWolf and Mrs. J. L. Brown. 

Kerr, Gilbert Lazcsou. — Son of Prof. Wm. A. and An- 
nis Rebecca (Lawson) Kerr, born in Iredell Co., N. C, 
Dec. 28, 1877, m ade a profession of religion at New 
Perth, Aug., 1891, was prepared for college at Coddle 
Creek, spent four years in Erskine College and graduated 
June, 1900. He is now a student in Erskine Theological 
Seminary, having entered Sept., 1902. 

Kirk patrick , Allen Grier. — Rev. A. G. Kirkpatrick is 
the son of Hugh Kirkpatrick and Louisa Reid, and was 
born in Mecklenburg Co., X. C, Sept. 25th, 1850. 

He was educated at Trinity College in North Carolina, 
and for a number of years he was a successful teacher 
and farmer in Mecklenburg County, N. C, and was an 
efficient deacon in Ebenezer Church. Feeling that he 
was called to the ministry, he joined the First Presbytery 
in 1889, and took the full course in Erskine Seminary 
and was licensed by the First Presbytery at Union 
Church in Chester Co., S. C, in 1891. He was soon 
called to New Hope, in Fairfield Co., S. C, and was or- 
dained and installed in August, 1891, and remained pas- 
tor here for about six years. *In 1896, he demitted New 
Hope, and accepted calls from the Brick Church in Fair- 
field Co., S. C, and from Prosperity in Newberry Co., 
S. C. He resigned the charge of these churches in 1899 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



I 9 I 



on account of ill health, and soon after took charge of 
Jones' Seminary, a school for young ladies in Gaston 
County, N. C, and is at present president of that insti- 
tution. 

Through the efforts of Mr. Kirkpatrick and the Church 
at New Hope, while he was pastor there the old Brick 
Church or Ebenezer, where the Associate Reformed 
Synod of the South was organized in 1803, was reorgan- 
ized, and stands to-day as a monument to his zeal and 
energy. 

Mr. Kirkpatrick was married in Charlotte, N. C, Dec. 
10th, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Evelyn Gary, the daughter 
of George and Margaret Gary, who has borne him nine 
children. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born in Texas in 1854. 



rie joined the First 
Presbytery at Yorkville, S. C, September, 1887, and 
spent two years in study at Erskine Seminary, and one 
year at Allegheny, Pa., and was licensed by the First 
Presbytery at Chester, S. C, April, 1889. At a called 
meeting of the First Presbytery at Charlotte, N. C, he 
was ordained to the full work of the ministry, and from 
April, 1890, until October, 1891, he was stated supplw 




Knox, John Patterson. — 
Rev. J. P. Knox was born 
near Davidson College, N. 
C, Oct. 19th, i860, and is 
the son of Samuel W. 
Knox and Sarah C. 
McAuley. He attended 
the public schools and 
worked on the farm until, 
he was nineteen years old,, 
and then the Huntersville 
High School and Erskine 
College, graduating with 
the class of 1887. 



192 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



for Broad Creek, and Ebenezer and Bethel in Virginia. 
In the fall of 1891 he accepted calls from Hickory Grove 
and Smyrna, York Co., S. C, and was installed pastor 
of these churches in November, 1891, and here he contin- 
ued until he was sent to take charge of the mission in 
Columbia, S. C, in 1899. During his pastorate at Hick- 
ory Grove and Smyrna, and largely through his efforts, 
the A. R. P. Orphanage was established, and he has been 
the Chairman of its Board of Trustees ever since. 

During his service in Columbia, he has canvassed the 
Synod for funds, and has built a new house of worship 
which is called the Centennial Church, as a memorial of 
the Centennial of the A. R. P. Synod of the South. 

Mr. Knox was married in Due West, S. C, Nov. 
20th, 1890, to Miss Louisa Julia Brice, the youngest 
daughter of the late Rev. R. W. Brice and Anna M. 
Steele, and she still lives to bless the home of her hus- 
band. Mrs. Knox was born in Chester Co., S. C, April 
2nd, 1868. Her grandfather Steele was a minister, three 
of his sons were ministers, his daughter, Mrs. Knox's 
mother, married a minister, and three of her daughters 
married ministers. 

Lathan, Robert. — Was born in Fairfield Co., S. C, of 
Scotch-Irish parentage, Dec 27, 1829, and died June 15, 
1896, at Bradley, Abbeville Co., S. C. 

His father was a farmer, a man of good education, 
who early inspired in his son the ambition to become a 
scholar. School facilities were poor, but in his father's 
home was a large collection of useful and instructive 
books, and the boy applying himself to these soon laid 
the foundation for a thorough education. At the age of 
19 (nineteen) he entered a school taught by Rev. James 
Gilland, a Presbyterian minister, and was here prepared 
for college. In 1853 he entered the Sophomore Class 
at Erskine College, and two years later was graduated 
with high honors. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



193 



After leaving college, he commenced to study for the 
ministry under Rev. R. W. Brice, pastor of Hopewell 
A. R. P. Church in Fairfield Co., S. C, and after pur- 
suing his studies here for two years, entered the Theolog- 
ical Seminary at Due West, and completed the course. 
In 1858 he was licensed to preach and sent to Virginia, 
where he remained until the fall meeting of Synod. 

In 1859 ne accepted a call to the pastorate of York- 
ville and Tirzah, and was ordained and installed in 
May of the same year. In 1884 he was elected to a pro- 
fessorship in the Theological Seminary, holding this 
office until the fall of 1894, when he resigned and ac- 
cepted a call to the churches at Bradley and Cedar Springs 
in Abbeville Co., S. C. 

On the tenth of May, 1859, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Fannie E. Barron, daughter of Dr. A. T. Barron 
of Yorkville. To them were born seven children, five of 
whom are now living. 

In connection with his pastoral labors, Dr. Lath an also 
engaged in teaching in and near Yorkville, for twenty 
years. His schools were what are known as the "old 
field" school, but in them he did some splendid work. 
His pupils were often from a distance of 20 or 30 miles 
and there are many substantial well-educated citizens 
in York County to-day who never had any other 
teacher. 

Shortly after the War, Dr. Lathan was elected School 
Commissioner of York County, held the office for a short 
term, and was re-elected in 1874. 

The public school system was, at that time, worse than 
chaotic. The school laws vague and clumsy in their 
meaning, but with undaunted energy and fine force of 
will, he set to work with the meager material at hand and 
organized a system of public schools which for efficiency 
was without a superior in the State. 

In addition to his other duties, Dr. Lathan also found 
some time to devote to literature. He was for years a 
13 



194 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



valued contributor to the "Yorkville Enquirer.''' In his 
sketches of the "Early Settlement of South Carolina," is 
to be found, to this day, the best history of the State up 
to and including the War of the Revolution that has 
yet been written. 

He also wrote a history of the Associate Reformed 
Synod of the South. In recognition of this work he re- 
ceived the degree of D. D. from Westminster College, 
New Wilmington, Pa., in June, 1881. 

Dr. Lathan is an exceptional illustration of a minister 
who did his best work after his fiftieth year. His work 
as stated supply at Bethlehem and Due West, and in the 
regular pastorate at Bradley was fruitful of much good. 
Christians were instructed and comforted, and sinners 
were awakened. 

Lee, Thomas Stephen. — W^as the son of Joseph Fran- 
cis and Mary Jenkins Lee, and was born Oct. 15, 1827, 
on Wadmalaw Island, S. C, and was of English ances- 
try. His grandfather, Col. Wm. Lee, of Charleston, S. 
C, and great grandfather, John Jenkins, were captains 
of military companies of the Continental Army, in the 
Revolutionary War. His father removed to Abbeville 
District, S. C, in Jan., 1837. In the fall of that year he 
was sent to Clark and Erskine Seminary, then under the 
care of Mr. (afterwards Rev.) John S. Pressly, Due 
West, S. C, and graduated in the third class, that of 
1844, in Erskine College, the institution having been 
changed into the College in 1839. 

He was raised in the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
but joined the A. R. P. Church while in college. He 
entered the Theological Seminary soon after his gradua- 
tion, and was licensed by the Second A. R. Presbytery 
at Generostee, S. C, April 3rd, 1847. I n J ^47 ne was > 
sent to the Kentucky Presbytery. At first, his time was 
divided between New Hope and Hinkston. A call was 
prepared for him by Hinkston, May 8th, 1849, an ^ m 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



195 



April 26, 1850, he was received by certificate from 
Second Presbytery and ordained June, 1850, at New 
Hope. He was, however, not installed until 1852 as 
pastor of Hinkston Church. This proved a fortunate 
pastorate and continued until Oct. 13th, 1870, when he 
connected himself with the Southern Presbyterian 
Church. In that Church connection he became pastor of 
a church at Troy, Ky., where he died Jan. 6, 1876. 

Mr. Lee was married Sept. 19th, 1848, at Sidney, O., 
to Miss Susan J. Montfort. She was a daughter of Rev. 
Peter and Anna Maria Montfort. The fruits of this 
union were nine children. Mrs. Lee removed South and 
is now living at Orlando, Fla. 

Mr. Lee was clerk of the Kentucky Presbytery from 
1852 to 1870. He was an able minister and an active 
and influential member of Presbytery. 



He joined New Hope Associate Reformed Presbyter- 
ian Church, Lincoln Co., Tenn., Sept. 9, 1889, under 
the preaching of the Rev. A. S. Sloan. He was received 
as a student of theology by the Tennessee and Alabama 
Presbytery at Belfast, Tenn., September 29, 1900. He 




E. P. LIN 



Lindsay, Ebenzer Press- 
ly. — Son of John Lindsay 
and Mary Francis Sloan, 
was born in Lincoln Co., 
Tenn, near Fayetteville, 
October 16, 1877. He first 
attended the country 
schools of the community, 
and later for three or four 
years the Fayetteville Col- 
legiate Institute. He en- 
tered the Sophomore Class 
of Erskine College and 
graduated from that in- 
stitution in June, 1899. 



196 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



took his theological course in Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary at Due West, S. C, and was licensed to preach 
April 13, 1901, by the Second Presbytery, at Iva, S. C, 
by request of the Tennessee and Alabama Presbytery,, 
the Rev. E. P. McClintock, D. D., officiating. He was 
ordained September 28th, 1901, by the Tennessee and 
Alabama Presbytery at Orrville, Ala., the Revs. I. N. 
Kennedy and H. M. Henry, D. D., being the officiating- 
ministers. He labored for awhile each at Russellville, 
Ark., and Birmingham, Ala. The year 1902 and up 
to the present time, 1903, he has served the Rives and 
Polk, Tenn., congregations. Mr. Lindsay is a grandson 
of Rev. A. S. Sloan, and a twin brother of the Rev. A. 
T. Lindsay, of Pisgah, N. C. 



He was received as a student of theology, Oct. 1895, by 
the First Presbytery. He attended Erskine Theological 
Seminary, and was licensed at a called meeting of the 
Presbytery, at Chester, Aug. 3, 1896. He was ordained 
by the Second Presbytery, at Welford , S. C, Oct., 1897, 
and was installed pastor over the Woodruff and Welford 
churches. He did a most excellent work here, remaining" 





W. B. LINDSAY. 



Lindsay, William Barkley.- 
— Was born at Chester, S. 
C, Nov. 21, 1871. His 
father, William Lindsay, 
and his mother Nancy 
Stewart, were from Ire- 
land, and most excellent 
representatives of the god- 
ly Protestant Irish. He 
spent eight years in the 
Chester graded school, and 
was graduated from Er- 
skine College, June 20,. 
1893. He joined the 
church at Chester in 1885. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



197 



five years and a half. At the meeting of Synod, at Pisgah, 
N. C.., Nov., 1902, the Synod adopted a recommendation 
of the Board of Home Missions that he be sent to the 
Mission in Memphis, Tenn. He accepted this appoint- 
ment, and at the time of this writing is in charge of that 
mission. 

Mr. Lindsay excels in pastoral work, is most genial and 
sweet-tempered in his intercourse with men, and his 
preaching is marked by tenderness and unction. 

Lindsay, Archie Thomp- 
son. — Son of John and 
Mary Lindsay, born Oct. 
r6th, 1877, near Fayette- 
ville, Lincoln Co., Tenn. 
Prepared for college at the 
Fayetteville Collegiate In- 
stitute, he entered the 
Sophomore Class at Er- 
skine College, Oct., '95, 
and graduated June, '98. 
Having spent one year, be- 
ginning Oct., '99, in Er- 
skine Theological Semi- 

A. T. LINDSAY. , 

nary and some time at 
Princeton and Allegheny, he was licensed by Tennessee 
and Alabama Presbytery, Sept 28, 1900. The First Pres- 
bytery ordained and installed him pastor of Pisgah and 
Bessemer, Sept. 27, 1901, where he remains and the Lord 
is blessing his work. 

On Nov. 20th, 1 901, he was happily married to Miss 
O. L. Whitelaw, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John White- 
law, of Raleigh, N. C. 




Little, Rev. lames McKinney. — Was born in Jefferson 
Co., Ga., Sept. 20, 1828. His father, Forester Little, was 
of Irish stock, being born the year after -his parents landed 



♦ 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



in America. He moved to Stewart Co., Ga., when James 
was eight years old. There he made a religious profes- 
sion, and at the age of eighteen, was ordained an elder. 

In '49 he married Miss Martha A. Pendrey. In i860 
he moved to Andalusia, Covington Co., Ala., where he 
engaged in the practice of law. He served his county 
two years as Superintendant of Public Instruction, and 
his district as Prosecuting Attorney for nine years. He 
was licensed to preach in 1873, by the Alabama Presby- 
tery, having prosecuted his studies privately. He was 
ordained in the spring of '75. He preached in Covington 
Co., Ala., until 1876. About the beginning of that year 
he moved to Milan Co., Texas. There he spent about 
20 years in a life of self-denial and hardship, preaching 
the Gospel. His wife died Jan. 5, 1892, leaving four 
living children. Some months later he married Miss 
Susan Mitchell, daughter of Albert Mitchell of Hardin 
Co., Texas. After an illness of many months he died of 
consumption, Sept. 11, 1896. 

Lowry, James. — Born in the historic Hopewell, S. C, 
1780; entered S. C. University Jan. 10, 1805, and gradu- 
ated in a class of 31 in 1808. 

His divinity course was pursued under Dr. J. M. 
Mason in New York, and- license was granted him by 
the Second Presbytery, March 10, 1818. Owing to in- 
firmities and unsatisfactory condition of temporal matters 
he surrendered his license, which after admonition was 
returned Dec. 15th, 1824. The next day a certificate of 
transfer was given to the First Presbytery by which 
court he was ordained May 18th, 1826. Called to the 
Moderatorship of the Synod in 1827 and 1834, he resided 
in Chester Co., S. C, and preached occasionally when 
opportunity offered and health permitted. 

In 1836 his Presbytery called him to account for 
preaching that "Christ died a spiritual death." The 
Synod being appealed to, allowed Mr. Lowry to withdraw 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



199 



his case and himself from the jurisdiction of the A. R. 
Church Oct. 10th, 1837. 

"At his residence in Chester Co., S. C, May 25th, 
1853, died Rev. James Lowry in the 74th year of his age. 
He bore his long illness without a murmur, and left this 
world with a firm faith and high hopes of a blessed im- 
mortality beyond the grave." 



whip him, his father would say, "Well, Mary, he is a 
good deal of trouble now, but he may be a great comfort 
to you some day." He went to school to his brother, Prof. 
W. S. Lowry, in Louisville, Ga., until entering college in 
Due West, where he remained four years., graduating 
from that institution August 11, 1858. He joined old 
Bethel church, Burke Co., Ga., in 1853. 

He commenced the study of theology Dec. 6, 1858, 
under the care of the Georgia Presbytery. He prose- 
cuted his studies in Erskine Theological Seminary and 
was licensed by that Presbytery March 25, i860, in 
Dekalb Co., Ga. He was ordained in March, 1862, at 
White Oak Church, Coweta Co., Ga. In November, 
i860, he went to Kentucky and preached until March, 




J. A. LOWRY. 



Lowry, James Robert 
Alexander. — Son of Rev. 
Joseph Lowry and Mary 
Pressly, was born October 
4, 1838, in Jefferson Co., 
Ga. As a boy he was a 
great lover of fun, full of 
mischief and, therefore, 
played many pranks on his 
mother, sisters and school- 
mates, but was always a 
great favorite with his as- 
sociates. When his mother 
would become fretted by 
his mischief and want to 



200 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



1861, and then returned to South Carolina. In July, 

1862, he went as a missionary to Lee's Army, took sick 
in August, and returned to South Carolina. In Novem- 
ber went as Chaplain to 5th Regiment South Carolina 
Reserves, Charleston, remaining there till next spring. 
In 1863 he went to Georgia, preached and taught school 
there till May 31, 1864, when he received the Chaplaincy 
of the 48th Georgia Regiment. Here remained until the 
the close of the War. In January, 1866, he left Georgia 
for Tennessee, and preached in Nashville till he was 
called to the pastorate of Prosperity Church, Dallas, Co., 
Ala., in September, 1867. He was installed here Sept. 
23, 1867, Dr. J. I. Bonner and Rev. W. R. Hemphill 
officiating. 

He married the first time August 3, i860, Mary Jane 
McCaslin, a daughter of Moses Oliver and Susannah 
Clark McCaslin. She was born June 10, 1838, in Ab- 
beville, S. C. One daughter, Mary Agnew, was born 
to them, who married Rev. E. P. Davis, D. D., now of 
Opelika, Ala. Mrs. Lowry died July 4, 1863. He was 
married the second time to Miss Euphemia Hawthorn 
in the summer of 1867. She died the following ( ?) 
year on the 2nd of May. One child born to them died 
in infancy. He was married the third time to Miss 
Kittie C. Craig, daughter of Robert G. and Alary E. Craig, 
May 10, 1870. She was born near Harrells, Ala. Four 
children were born of this union, only one of whom is 
still living, Julia Mabel,, who married the Rev. J. H. 
Pressly of Statesville, N. C. Mrs. Kittie Lowry died 
March 17, 1878. 

He was married the fourth time January 5, 1881, to 
Mrs. Jennie E. Pressly at Oak Hall, Ala. She was the 
daughter of Dr. William and Mary Mathews Dale. She 
left one little girl who died at 3 months old. Mrs. Jen- 
nie Lowry died May 13, 1883, at Crenshaw, Dallas Co., 
Alabama. 

Mr. Lowry died April 6, 1898, after a pastorate of 
31 years of prosperity, Dallas Co., Ala. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



20 1 



Lowry, William Joseph, D. D. — Was born June 7th, 
1838, in Greensboro, Georgia. But his parents were 2d 
that time residents of Jefferson County, Ga. His parents 
were Prof. W. S. Lowry and Eliza (Stevens) Lowry. 
He enjoyed good educational advantages, and was gradu- 
ated from Erskine College in 1838. He probably joined 
the church at Bethel, Ga., in his youth. He was received 
as a student of Theology by the Second Presbytery in 
1859, and studied theology at Due West. 

His first work was done in Kentucky and Tennessee. 
His first pastorate was Lebanon, Ala. He also preached 
at Camden and other points in Alabama. About 1865 he 
was called to the G. A. Presbyterian Church in Selma, 
Ala. He accepted this call and served that church for 
a number of years with great acceptance. In 1875 he 
was called to the FirstPresbyterian Church in Louisville, 
Ky., and continued until his death one of the most use- 
ful and eloquent ministers in that city. He died Nov. 
10th, 1877. He married Miss Maggie M. Bell, August 
13th, 1 86 1. She was a daughter of Mr. Robert Bell of 
Starkville, Miss., where they were married. They had 
three children. She died in Selma, Ala. 

January 23rd, 1874, he married Miss Mary C. Dixon. 
Dr. Lowry was a lovable man and made for himself an 
enviable reputation. His appearance in the pulpit was 
most striking and impressive, and he was gifted with 
rare eloquence and power. He was marvelously per- 
suasive as a speaker and eminently successful in winning 
men to Christ. 

Lowry, Joseph. — Was born in York Co., S. C, Jan. 
1st, 1777. He must have enjoyed good educational ad- 
vantages. He graduated at in perhaps 1808 or 

1809. He studied Theology in New York and completed 
his course in 1813, was licensed by the First Presbytery. 
He received calls from the Newberry churches, from Ce- 
dar Springs, and Long Cane, and from Bethel, Georgia. 



202 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



He accepted the latter. It was dated April 14th, 1814. 
On the 2nd Thursday in October, 18 14, he was ordained 
and installed pastor of this congregation. He was pastor 
of this church from that date until his death, July 20th, 
1840. On Feb. 21st, 1813, he was married by Rev. Alex- 
ander Porter to Miss Mary Pressly. She was born July 
10th, 1797. They had three sons and nine daughters. 
Mrs. Lowry died Nov. 17th, 1875. 

One of their sons became a minister, another was a 
professor in Erskine College. Six grandsons are 
preachers, five in the A. R. P. Church and one in the 
Baptist Church. It is to be regretted that so little is 
known of his history. When licensed to preach he was 
a member of Hopewell, Chester, S. C. 

Love, William Young. — 
Rev. William Young Love 
is the son of Andrew 
Franklin Love and Martha 
Gilfillan, and was born in 
York County, S. C, March 
1 6th, 1849, an d connected 
with the church at Sharon, 
in 1866. 

Mr. Love graduated 
from Erskine College in 
1874, and was received as 
a student of theology by 
the First Presbytery at 
Union Church, Chester 
Co., S. C, in 1874. His theological course was taken in 
Erskine Seminary, and at the U. P. Seminary at Alle- 
gheny, Pa., and he was licensed by the First Presbytery 
at Statesville, N. C, in April, 1876, and was ordained by 
the Second Presbytery at White Oak, Ga., in 1879. 

After doing mission work in the bounds of the First 
and Second Presbyteries, he went to the Memphis Pres- 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



203 



bytcry and was installed as pastor of Bloomington 
Church in Tennessee in 1880. After remaining there for 
several years he returned to the First Presbytery and was 
for a while co-laborer with Dr. E. E. Boyce at Pisgah, 
Bethany, and Kings Mountain. 

In 1885 he accepted a call from Gilead, in Mecklenburg 
Co., N. C, and was installed in October of the same year. 
In April, 1892, he was installed as pastor of Perth and 
Coddle Creek, and during his pastorate there he was 
largely instrumental in reorganizing the church at 
Mooresville, N. C, and in building a house of worship 
for that congregation. 

After leaving these churches, he was installed pastor 
over Amity, Elk Shoals and Taylorsville, in 1901, and 
still continues pastor there. In September, 1876, Mr. 
Love was married to Miss Mary C. White, the daughter 
of Col. James P. and Amanda White of Iredell Co., N. 
C. Mrs. White was born in Alexander Co., N. C, Jan. 
12th, 1853. She has been a true helpmeet to her hus- 
band and has borne him nine children. 

Lyle, James. — Was born in Eastern Pennsylvania about 
1795 ; was educated at Dickinson College and studied 
theology at Service and Canonesburg, Pa. ; was licensed 
by the Associate Presbytery of Ohio, Aug. 20th, 1823, 
and sent December following as a missionary to the 
South. The Presbytery of the Carolinas ordained and 
installed him May 4th, 1825, pastor of Bethel (Winns- 
boro), Little River (Stively Meeting House), Fairfield 
Co., and Smyrna, Chester Co., S. S. 

On the 18th of September, 1834, he demitted this 
charge and was granted certificate to Miami Presbytery 
to take pastoral charge of the lately organized congre- 
gation of Bloomington, Indiana. This for some reason 
he did not accept. In his latter days "his life was out 
of tune." 

He deserted the ministry and was suspended in 1837. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Soon after this he removed to Texas and was there ac- 
cidently killed by the discharge of a gun in 1840. 

Ma gill j Rev. James. — Dr. J. B. Scoullers says, "Most 
probably born in Eastern Pennsylvania, graduated at 
Dickinson College, 1794, studied theology privately, and 
was licensed by the First A. R. Presbytery of Pennsyl- 
vania, May 25th, 1797." He was received as probationer 
by the Second Presbytery, at her first meeting at Cedar 
Springs, April 8th, 1801, and ordained and installed pas- 
tor of Little River and Rocky Springs, Abbeville Co., 
S. C, May 14, 1802. These he demitted July 23, 1805. 
He attended as delegate of the Second Presbytery the 
First General Synod, at Greencastle, Pa., May 30, 1804. 
The General Synod met again in New York City, May 
28, 1806. 

He was also a delegate representing both Presbyteries, 
and the Synod laid a tax on each pastoral charge of $8.00 
or each member ^ of a $1.00 to pay his expenses. After 
his return from General Synod he divided his time be- 
tween the two Presbyteries. About 1807 he went to 
Ohio and lived a recluse, and died about 1830, unknown 
to the world about him. His domestic life was not 
happy. He separated from his wife, but the Synod at 
its meeting "at Hopewell, S. C, April nth, 1805, decided 
that he ought not to be subjected to judicial censure, 
and he was given appointments to preach in the 
Presbyteries. 

Marion, John Preston.- — Rev. J. P. Marion is the son 
of Alexander Marion and Mary Jane Sterling and was 
born near Rossville, Chester Co., S. C,, Dec. 23rd, 1847. 
He attended schools taught by Revs. Hugh and Christo- 
pher Strong at Mayesville, S. C, and at other places, and 
graduated at the University of Virginia. He attended 
Erskine Seminary and also studied under Dr. McGuffy 
at the University of Virginia, and was licensed about 
1870. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



205 



He labored in Arkansas for five or six years, organiz- 
ing several churches in that Presbytery. In 1876 Mr. 
Marion was called to Chester, S. C, for three-fourths 
of his time, and the other fourth was given to White 
Oak, S. C, until 1879, when he was called to Chester 
for all of his time. He continued pastor at Chester until 
the spring of 1882, when he resigned his charge and en- 
tered the Southern Presbyterian Church. Since that 
time he has been pastor of various churches in that 
denomination, where he has been a successful preacher 
and pastor. 

Martin, John Edward. — Was born March 19th, 1843, 
in Fairfield Co., S. C. His father was John Aiken Mar- 
tin. His mother, Miss Pernecy Frances Gary. He grad- 
uated at Erskine College in 186 1. In youth he made a 
profession of faith and became a member of the old Brick 
Church, Fairfield Co., S. C. 

He was received as a student of theology in the fall: 
of 1867 by the Second Presbytery at Bethel Church, in 
Laurens Co., S. C. He studied theology at Due West, 
S. C. He was licensed by the Second Presbytery in 1869 
at Prosperity, S. C. He was ordained by Second Presby- 
tery at Due West, in 1871.. He was a domestic mission- 
ary for two years, laboring in Newberry, S. C, Middle 
Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and Georgia. He was 
called and installed as pastor of Hopewell, Ga., in the 
fall of 1 87 1. He married Miss Margaret Isabella Grier 
at Due West Oct. 27th, 1864. His wife's father was 
Dr. R. C. Grier. Her mother's maiden name was Miss 
Barbara Mofifatt. She was born in York, S. C, April 
5th, 1847. They have had eight children, seven of 
whom are still living. Rev. Martin is a devout Christian. 
For many years he was an earnest and faithful minister 
of the New Testament. His health was never very good. 
In 1890 he became so feeble that he felt constrained to 
resign his pastoral charge. He did so in August of that 



206 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



year, and has been an invalid ever since. He lives on 
a farm near Covington, which he owns and has managed 
successfully for many years. 

Mayne, Alexander. — Son of Rev. Hugh Mayne and 
Sarah Shannon, was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Jan. 24, 
1830. His father was a native of Ireland, and a gradu- 
ate of Glasgow University. From him the son received 
his early education. He graduated from Hanover Col- 
lege, August 6, 1 85 1. 

At the age of sixteen he connected himself with the 
Church at Richland in Rush Co., Ind., on profession of 
faith. He studied theology at Oxford, O., under Dr. 
Claybaugh in the winter of 1853-4, and at Due West, 
S. C, January '59 to April '60. The Second Presbytery 
received him as a student of theology early in 1859 and 
licensed him April 7, i860. Very soon after this he be- 
gan to preach in southern Arkansas. Synod of i860 
authorized the formation of the Presbytery of Arkansas. 
It held its first meeting the following May at Pisgah in 
Pope Co., Ark. Mr. Mayne was ordained sine titulo at 
this meeting May 4, 1861. He married Miss Amanda C. 
Kerr Nov. 22, i860, in Drew Co., Ark. She was born 
in York Co., S. C. He continued his labors in southern 
Arkansas, preaching as opportunity offered, principally 
in Bradley and Drew Counties until June, 1865. He then 
moved to Indiana where he connected himself with the 
United Presbyterian Church. He labored as stated sup- 
ply in Indiana, Michigan, Kansas and Iowa until the fall 
of 1879. O n account of his wife's health, he moved to 
Bethel Springs, Tenn., where she died July 18, 1880. 
In 1 88 1 he moved to Indiana, and on Oct. 22, of that 
year he was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of John 
W. and Martha Brown. He continued to preach regularly 
until 1900, when he became disabled from bronchitis. 
Of his children, only one out of seven survives — a daugh- 
ter of his first wife. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



207 




H. R. M C AULAY. 



McAulay, Hugh Rod- 
eric. — The McAulay fam- 
ily, from whom Rev. H. R. 
descended, came from the 
highlands of Scotland prior 
to the Revolutionary war. 
They settled in Mecklen- 
burg Co., N. C, on McAl- 
pin's Creek, near where 
Sardis church now stands. 
The great grandfather of 
the above mentioned minis 
ter attained the wonderful 
age of 102 years, The 
mother of Rev. H. R. was 



descended from the Grier family, being the daughter of 
Robert and Mary Heard Grier. The Griers came from 
the North of Ireland, and settled in Wilkes Co., Ga. 
Here the mother of the subject of this sketch was born. 
Her name was Melvina Heard Grier. 

Her parents shortly after her birth moved to Alabama, 
near Cahaba, and there they both died and are buried. 
The children were brought to North Carolina by Dr. 
Isaac Grier, an uncle, then pastor of Sardis Church. 
In the course of time Neil McAulay, the father of Hugh 
Roderic, married Melvina Heard Grier, and they moved 
to Iredell Co., N. C, and located near Coddle Creek 
Church. Hugh R. was born June 3rd, 1849. The op- 
portunities for an education were very limited during 
his youth, as the country was disturbed by the Civil 
War. But by close economy his father managed to give 
him an education, sending him first to Profs. W. A. Kerr 
and R. A. Leaser at Coddle Creek, and then to Erskine 
College, which he entered in 1871, graduating in 1875. 
Having joined the Church at Coddle Creek under the 
ministry of Rev. J. E. Pressly, D. D., when a youth, 
his mind was turned towards the ministry. He con- 



208 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



nected with the First Presbytery at Huntersville, N. C, 
in the fall of 1875, entered the theological seminary at 
Due West and completed his course under Dr. James 
Boyce in 1877. He was licensed in the city of Charlotte 
by First Presbytery, Sept. 4th, 1877, and sent to Texas, 
here he remained as a home missionary one year. He 
spent also one year in Virginia. He then attended one 
session at Allegheny, Pa. He was ordained by the Vir- 
ginia Presbytery in 1880 at Old Providence. In 1882 he 
was sent as supply to Woodruff and Cannon Creek, 
and received a call from both these churches. He ac- 
cepted the call from Woodruff, and was installed in 1884. 
In 1888 he demitted his charge, and labored in vacan- 
cies in Kentucky, North and South Carolina. In the fall 
of 1890 he was sent to Hopewell, Ga., and remained 
there for two years teaching and preaching. After his 
work in Georgia he supplied Prosperity and Head Springs 
in Newberry Co., S. C, for some time. Since that time 
he has had no stated appointments, living at his home in 
Woodruff he has preached as opportunity offered in 
some of the vacancies. 

Mr. McAulay was married at Union, S. C, to Miss 
Thompson Carlisle, Nov. 26th, 1884. They have one 
daughter. 

McCain, John Nisbet— Was born in Mecklenburg Co., 
N. C, June 19th, 1820. His father's name was Hugh 
Johnson McCain and his mother's maiden name Martha 
Moore. He had fairly good educational opportunities, 
and was graduated from Erskine College in 1846. 

He joined the Church in Tipton Co., Tenn. Rev. John 
Wilson was his pastor. He entered the Seminary at 
Due West in 1846, and was received as a student by the 
Second Presbytery at Generostee, Anderson Co., S. C. 
He was licensed by the same Presbytery at the same 
place in 1848, and was ordained by the Georgia Presby- 
tery at Ebenezer, Jefferson County, in 1848. He sup- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



plied Smyrna Church from 1848 until 1863, and preached 
also at many other points. He has taught school a great 
deal during life. During the war he was cut off from all 
association with his own Church. He then connected 
with the General Associate Presbyterian Church. He 
finally moved to Texas and for many years preached in 
the southwestern part of that State. For several years 
he has been unable to preach on account of feeble health. 
He was married April 12th, 1848, to Miss Sarah A. 
Hearst, a daughter of John and Margaret Hearst. She 
was born in Abbeville County, S. C. They had nine 
children. Rev. and Mrs. McCain are still living in Bee 
County, Texas. 

McCain, Rev. John Wilson. — Son of Mr. H. H. and 
Mrs. N. C. (Simpson) McCain, was born at Idaville, 
Tenn., Sept. 5, 1871. From early life he was identified 
with Salem church. He graduated from Erskine College 
in '96, and from Erskine Theological Seminary in '98. 

He received license to preach from the Memphis Pres- 
bytery at Salem, Tenn., July 17, '97. He supplied 
Shiloh, Miss., that summer. In '98 he preached in Louis- 
ville, Ebenezer, and Hinkston, Ky., and New Lebanon, 
W. Va. The Memphis Presbytery ordained him, sine 
titulo, Dec. 5, '98. In '99 he supplied Saline Church 
in the Arkansas Presbytery. The next year he divided 
his time between Saline and Hickory Springs. These 
two churches called him October, 1900. He was in- 
stalled pastor at Saline, June 30, and at Hickory Springs 
July 22, the following year. On Sept. 11, 1901, he mar- 
ried Miss Lula C. Conerly, at Wilmar, Ark. She was 
born and reared in Tylertown; Miss. 

McCaw, David. — Son of James and Sarah McWilliams 
McCaw, was born in Chester, S. C, March 16, 1816. His 
educational advantages in early life were limited to the 
old field schools of his day, but being anxious to secure 
14 



210 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



a collegiate education, he entered Miami University, and 
graduated from that institution August 5, 1838. 

He joined the Church at Hopewell, Ohio, under the 
pastorate of the Rev. Joseph Claybaugh. In the fall of 
1 841 he was received as a student of theology by the 
First Presbytery, A. R. P. Church, in Mecklenburg Co., 
N. C, and studied theology in Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary at Due West, S. C. He was licensed and ordained 
in 1842 by the First Presbytery. During 1841 and 1842 
he was tutor in Erskine College, and in the fall of 1842 
was elected a professor in the College, in which capacity 
he was retained until the fall of 1848, when he resigned. 
He is the author of the Motto of Erskine College, 
"Scientia cum moribus conjunct a." In April, 1839, ne 
was married by Rev. Warren Flenniken in Chester, S. C, 
to Jane Dickey Torbit, a daughter of John and Mary 
Hare Torbit. She was born in Chester, S. C, Oct. 16, 
18 1 8. Three children were born to them, two daughters 
still living, and a son who died in 1876- She died June 
10, 1858. She was a good woman greatly beloved by all 
who knew her. He was married a second time to a 
daughter of Hon. John B. Cross of Jackson, Tenn. She 
was born in 1821 and died July 20, 1898. She was be- 
loved and mourned by all. 

McClelland, George William. — Was born in Newton 
Co., Ga., August 9th, 1825. His father was John 
McClelland, and his mother Miss Lucy Lummus. He 
joined the church June 18th, 1843, at Hopewell, Newton 
Co., Ga. 

He enjoyed little or no educational advantages. He 
felt called to preach and made most heroic efforts to 
obtain an education. In 1844 he went to the home of 
his pastor, Rev. Thos. Turner, who was interested in 
him and taught him for a time. He then went to 
Burke Co., Georgia , and studied for a time under 
Rev. John S. Pressly. His health failed and he 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



211 



had many obstacles thrown in his way, but he per- 
severed and finally graduated from Erskine College 
with honor in 1849. He was received as a student of 
theology Sept. 10th, 1849, b Y the Georgia Presbytery. 
He studied privately except a few months in the Sem- 
inary at Due West, and was licensed to preach at Bethel, 
Burke Co., Ga., Oct. nth, 185 1. He taught school in 
Jefferson Co., Ga., and preached in the pastoral charge 
of Rev. D. G. Phillips until July, 1852. He was then sent 
to Hopewell, Maury Co., Tenn. He took sick by the way 
and was never able to preach after reaching the scene of 
his labors. He returned to Newton Co., Ga., and died 
Nov. 15th, 1852. 



McClintock, Ebenezer 
Pressly, D. D. — Dr. E. P. 
McClintock was born June 
nth, 1845, near to what is 
now Ora, Laurens Co., S. 
C, in the bounds of Bethel 
congregation. His parents 
were John and Mary 
McClintock, the former an 
elder in Bethel church. 

He was brought up un- 
der the ministry of Rev. D. 
F. Haddon, and though 
we have no specific knowl- 
edge of his childhood, we 
are safe in concluding from the character of the man 
that he was quiet, studious and obedient, both at home 
and in school. The Ora community has always been 
noted for its intelligence and love of education, and there 
was a good school there in Dr. McClintock's boyhood, 
which he attended. 

In due time he entered Erskine College, graduating in 
the year 1861, under the presidency of Dr. E. L. Patton. 




E. P. M c CLINTOCK. 



212 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



The college exercises were interrupted that year on ac- 
count of the Civil War, and the young men left the 
institution in May to join the Confederate Army, the 
class of '61, however, were afterwards given their diplo- 
mas. Dr. McClintock was two years a Confederate 
soldier in Hampton's Cavalry. 

In the fall of 1867 he entered Erskine Seminary, hav- 
ing previously connected with the Second Presbytery as 
a student of theology at Bethel, his former church. After 
completing his theological studies he was licensed by the 
Second Presbytery at Prosperity, S. C, in July, 1869. 
He did some missionary work in Mississippi and Ken- 
tucky for four months, and was then sent as supply to 
Thompson St. and Kings Creek Churches in Newberry. 
Re was called to the pastorate of these congregations in 
1 87 1, and was ordained and installed in August of that 
year by the Second Presbytery. For twelve years he 
continued to serve as pastor over the united charge, liv- 
ing in the country in the bounds of Kings Creek congre- 
gation. In 1883 he gave up this church, moved to New- 
berry and devoted his whole time to the town church. 

The Thomson St. congregation has been greatly 
strengthened during the last few years. When Dr. 
McClintock first went to Newberry there were only 
eight or ten members, there are now 120 enrolled. 0 In 
May 17th, 1870, Dr. McClintock married Miss Elizabeth 
Jane Young of Due West, daughter of Prof. John N. 
Young and Eleanor Euphemia Strong, she has proved to 
be a great helper to the pastor in his work, though often 
in delicate health. Five children have been born, two 
are now living, Miss Euphemia, who is the accomplished 
president of the Presbyterian College for Women in 
Columbia, S. C, and Miss Mary Law, who is the lady 
principal of Ward Seminary, Nashville, Tenn. These 
two daughters are the pride of their parents, having 
fine minds and thorough training, both of them are 
graduates of the "Women's College" of Baltimore. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



213 



Dr. McClintock is an excellent preacher and much be- 
loved pastor. At this writing his congregation is taking 
steps to build a new and handsome house of worship in 
a most desirable lot. 

McCormick, John Rob- 
ert, — Son of Nathaniel 
Davis and Sarah Harris 
McCormick, was born near 
Old Providence, in Au- 
gusta Co., Va., Dec. 5th, 
1863. He became a mem- 
ber of Old Providence 
when 15 years of age. He 
was educated in the local 
schools and at Hunters- 
ville, N. C, and Erskine 
College, and graduated 
from the Theological Sem- 

J. R. M c CORMICK. & 

inary at Due West in 1893. 
The Second Presbytery licensed him April 7th, 1893. 
He supplied Broad Creek, Va., from July 1st, 1893, to 
November, 1897. The Virginia Presbytery ordained him 
sine titulo, April 13th, 1894. Synod removed him to the 
Texas field the latter part of 189,7. From that time 
he was stated supply of Richland and Harmony until 
installed their pastor, April 14th, 1899. He was mar- 
ried April 14th, 1894, to Miss Margaret H. Brown, 
daughter of Col. R. H. Brown of Rockbridge Co., Va. 
Mrs. McCormick has been a helpmeet indeed to her hus- 
band. Mr. McCormick has given his strength and time 
unsparingly to the work and his pastorate has been 
blessed in the building of his churches. Energy, purity 
and unselfishness are prominent traits of character. 

McCormack, Charles D. — Son of Nathanael Davis and 
Sarah Margaret (Harris) McCormick, born Dec. 7. 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



1870,, in Old Providence, Augusta Co., Va. This pious 
boy decided to enter the ministry at 15, and joined Old 
Providence at 16. Preparing for college to this end at 
Valley High School under Messrs. R. A. Lee, A. E. Bell 
and J. A. McClure, he spent three years at Erskine Col- 
lege and two in the Seminary there. 

License was granted by the Second Presbytery, April 
9, 1898. Was transferred to the Virginia Presbytery, Nov. 
4th, 1899. He preached at Broad Creek, Va., August, 
1898 and in Kentucky six weeks July and August, 1899. 
A severe catarrh of the throat caused him reluctantly to 
lay down the work to which he had dedicated his young 
manhood. He resides on a farm in Old Providence 
congregation, is efficient in Church work and is stated 
clerk of the Virginia Presbytery. 

McCoy, Robert M. — Was received from Reformed 
Presbyterian Church, by First Presbytery, April 3, 1837, 
and licensed by that Presbytery first Wednesday of Dec, 
1837. Joined Presbytery of Tennnessee in fall of 1838. 
Graduated at Miami, Ohio. Married Barbara Millen. 
daughter of John Millen, of Union,, S. C. Missionary 
in West Tennessee, 1837- 1838. Ordained by Tennessee 
Presbytery in spring of 1839. Stated supply of Troy, 
Obion Co., Tenn., from licensure till 1845. Dismissed 
to serve Presbytery Second Synod West in 1845. Joined 
the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Springfield in 
June, 1845. Passed in a few months to Presbytery of 
Illinois, and in 1847 received a certificate to connect else- 
where. Died April 12, 1879, in Texas, in the Presbyte- 
rian church. "Scouller." 

McCreary, David. — Son of Joseph McCreary, and 1 
Mary Boggs,, was born in Abbeville, S. C, Oct. 30, 1816. 
He attended common schools in Abbeville, and later Er- 
skine College, where he graduated in 1843. ^e joined 
the church at Cedar Springs, and attended the Theologi- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



cal Seminary at Due West, S. C, but was never licensed 
to preach. He was never married, and died in William- 
son Co., Texas, August 17, 1852, from bilious fever, and 
is buried in the cemetery on Brushy Creek in that county. 

Mr. McCreary, while a student of theology, went to 
Dallas Co., Ala., where he taught school a year. Being in 
poor health he removed to Texas in hope of being bene- 
fited. An affection of the throat is thought to have been 
his reason for never preaching. He was a brother of Rev. 
Joseph McCreary. 

McCreary, Joseph. — Son of Joseph McCreary and 
Mary Boggs, was born in the Cedar Springs neighbor- 
hood, Abbeville Co., S. C, May 3, 1812. He attended 
school in Abbeville, but while yet a youth became very 
desirous of a higher education. He therefore joined a 
body of emigrants and walked the distance through to 
Oxford, 0-j lending help to the drivers when necessary. 
To pay his expenses through school, he gave up his in- 
terest in his father's estate to his brother. In the Univer- 
sity, his fellow-students nicknamed him the "Philosopher 
of the School." He graduated in 1834. 

He joined the A. R. Church at Cedar Springs previous 
to his entering the University, and immediately after 
graduating he went from Oxford to Allegheny, Pa., and 
entered the Associate Reformed Seminary. He was 
licensed by the Second Presbytery in 1836. He mission- 
ated in company with Rev. J. C. Chalmers in Florida, 
Georgia, Alabama and some in Indiana. In the fall of 
1839 he was called to the pastorate of the congregation 
in Wilcox Co., Ala., now known as Bethel, and was in- 
stalled over that church in 1840, where he was a faithful 
shepherd till his death. 

Mr. McCreary was one of the victims of the ill-faeted 
"Lucy Walker," which blew up on the Ohio River, Oct. 
23, 1844. He and other brethren returning from a 
meeting of Synod in Kentucky took passage on this 



2l6 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



steamboat. j The explosion of her boilers wrecked the 
boat and killed and injured a number of her passengers. 
He lived for two days after the explosion — dying Oct. 
25, 1844. His last words were "Lord Jesus, receive my 
Spirit." He was buried in New Albany, Ind. 

Joseph McCreary was married to Mary Bonner 
August 15, 1839. She was a daughter of William and 
Annie Lee (Joel) Bonner, and was born near Cedar 
Springs, S. C, Nov. 13, 1818. In 1819 she was moved 
with her parents to Monroe Co., Ala. She is the mother 
of 3 children. Mrs. McCreary still lives, residing in Cor- 
sicana, Texas. 

Both of Mr. McCreary's grandfathers died of yellow 
fever, in Charleston, during the Revolutionary War. His 
father was a lawyer, and Joseph was one of 7 children. 

McDaniel, Robert War- 
den. — Son of Rev. James 
Lowry McDaniel and Eliz- 
beth Baird, was born 
near Cotton Plant, Miss., 
May 13, 1869. In early 
youth his educational op- 
portunities were very lim- 
ited. After he became of 
age he began to feel the 
necessity of an education, 
but it was not until he 
was twenty-six years old 
that he found opportunity 
to attend school. Having 
then accumulated a little over $700.00, including about 
$180.00 from his father's estate, he entered the male 
academy in Covington, Tenn., under the direction of 
Prof. James Byars, where he studied for two years. 
Then he went to the Robison High School for about two 
years, and entered Erskine College in 1890. Two vears 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



217 



later he entered the Seminary at Due West, S. C, and 
completed the course in June of 1903. 

He joined the Associate Reformed Church at Salem, 
Tipton Co., Tenn., during the year 1884, was received 
as a student of theology by the Memphis Presbytery in 
1901. He was licensed to preach the Gospel by that 
Presbytery at a called meeting at Salem, June 30, 1903. 

He was married June 25th, 1903, to Miss Annie 

Belle Dunlap only living child of the late Wm. H. 

Dunlap of Salem, Tenn. 

McDaniel, James Lowry, a son of Edward McDaniel 
and Mary Lowry, was born in Chester Co., S. C, Jan. 
1818. He worked his own way through college, 'teach- 
ing and attending college alternately, graduating in Er- 
skine College, in 1849. That year he was received as a 
student of Theology and prosecuted his studies in Er- 
skine Theological Seminary. 

He was licensed to preach in 185 1 by the Second 
Presbytery. He missionated one year preaching in Ten- 
nessee, Mississippi and Georgia. He accepted a call from 
White Oak, Coweta Co., Ga., in 1852, preaching and 
teaching there till the fall of 1856, when he removed to 
Tippah Co., Miss., and took charge of the Presbytery 
Academy at Ebenezer, preaching as he had opportunity. 
He taught there until 1861. It was during this period in 
the spring of 1859 he was called to mourn the death of 
his wife, Melinda Eliza, daughter of John Lindsay Ellis 
and Mahala Ellis. She was born in Due West, S. C., 
May 10, 183 1, and died in Tippah Co., Miss., April 26, 
1859. They were married at Due West in 1852, and five 
children were born unto them. 

He was married to Elizabeth Baird, daughter of Joseph 
and Jennette Baird, in Tipton Co., Tenn., in 1861. She 
was born March 24, 1834, in Chester Co., S. C, and died 
March 28, 1876, in Tipton Co.. Tenn. Seven children 



2l8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



were born to them, two of whom are dead, one is a 
practicing physician in Arkansas and another, R. 
Warden, completed his course in Erskine Theological 
Seminary in June of this year, 1903, and all are useful 
members of the Church and societ}^ 

He removed to Tipton Co., Tenn., in 1872, and there 
lived the remainder of his life. He died March 9, 1887, 
and his body lies in the Salem graveyard awaiting the 
resurrection. 

McDonald, Rev. James Calvin. — Was born Dec. 23, 
1839, in the bounds of Long Cane, S. C. He was the 
oldest child of John and Sarah (Shanks) McDonald. 
In the spring of i860, he joined White Oak church, Ga. 
The 31st of May, 186 1, he enlisted in the Confederate 
army, in Company "I," 7th Georgia regiment. He was 
a -faithful soldier, but lost his right arm in a battle in 
East Tennessee, Nov. 16, 1863. He returned to his 
friends in Coweta Co., Ga., ■ where he remained two 
years. 

His desire was to preach the gospel, and rinding his 
way back to Long Cane, S. C, he entered the High 
School taught by Rev. E. L. Patton, L. L. D., in January 
or February, 1866. Friends in the community paid his 
expenses during his three years in the High School. In 
October, 1869, he entered the Junior Class in Erskine 
College, as a beneficiary of the second Presbytery. The 
next year he entered the Theological Seminary, from 
which he graduated in '72. The Second Presby- 
tery licensed him Septemeber 7, '72. From November 
10, 1872, to October 10, 1874, he supplied Prosperity 
and New Hope, Ark. He was ordained by the Arkansas 
Presbytery Sept. 20, 1874, at Saline, and installed pas- 
tor of Prosperity and New Hope, the 10th of the fol- 
lowing October. Three days later he married Miss Susan 
E. L. Chesnut, daughter of William R. Chesnut, a worthy 
elder in Prosperity, and a native of Hen'— ~o., Ga. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



219 



He demitted the charge of Prosperity in 1876, and of 
New Hope in 188 1. He continued to supply these 
churches frequently for years, besides preaching in des- 
titute neighborhoods and giving much attention to Sab- 
bath School work. His wife died August ri, 1900. He 
was married again Nov. 19, 1901, to Miss Fannie 
McCombs, of Abbeville Co., S. C, who was the object 
of his affections while attending the High School 32 
years before. 



Rev. John S. Pressly. In one year he was prepared for 
the Sophomore class in Miami University, Ohio, where 
he graduated in 1836. After a course of theology un- 
der Dr. E. E. Pressly, the Second Presbytery commis- 
sioned him a probationer, Oct. 5th, 1838. On the icth 
of Dec, 1839, he was by the First Presbytery ordained 
and installed pastor of Tirzah, York Co., and Union, 
Chester Co., S. C. The former was demitted Oct 4, 
1 85 1, and assumed pastoral oversight of Neely's Creek, 
York Co., S. C, Sept. 5th, 1853. On account of bodily 
infirmity, this extensive charge was given back to Pres- 
bytery Sept. 5th, 1870, and New Hope, Fairfield Co., S. 




McDonald, Laughlin. — 
Son of John and Marga- 
ret (McCurry) McDon- 
ald, was born in Hart Co., 
Ga., Oct. 3rd, 1810. His 
parents were members of 



L. 



M c DONALH. 



the A. R. P. church of 
Generostee, ten miles 
away. The father died 
while the children were 
very young. In 1832, he 
entered an academy known 
as Drake's Old Field, 
three miles east of Due 
West, S. C, taught by 



220 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



C, became his pastoral charge April 28th, 1871. Here 
he labored most acceptably though with many interrup- 
tions on account of cancer, which caused his death, 
March 26th, 1874. The Synod of 1854 made him mod- 
erator. He selected as life companion, June, 1840, Miss 
Margaret S., daughter of Mr. Robert Brice, of New 
Hope, S. C. This companionship was dissolved by her 
early and lamented death, Jan., 1842, leaving a daughter 
only a few months old. In 1843, a second 1 matrimonial 
connection was formed with Miss Melissa L., daughter 
of Daniel G. Stinson, of Chester Co., S. C. A rare 
jewel of Christian character, she fell on sleep at Winns- 
boro, S. C, Nov. 15th, 1890. 

"Rev. Laughlin McDonald was a grand man. Phy- 
sically, he was above the average size, but his form 
was very symmetrical. Rev. Laughlin McDonald always 
presented the mien of an individual who had been trained 
in a military school. In his general appearance there 
was something princely which always attracted attention. 
There was in his gait the dignity of the clergyman and 
the stately air of the soldier. These elements were so 
blended and combined in his nature as to present not 
even a trace of the repulsive. 

He was the son of poor parents. His mother was left 
a widow when he was a boy. The home of his parents 
was in a rural district, surrounded by a people stran- 
gers to everything which is called refinement. In spite 
of all these unfavorable surroundings, Laughlin McDon- 
ald was a man of polished manners. If in childhood and 
youth he contracted uncouth modes of speech or rural 
ways, these were, on arriving at manhood, removed, root 
and branch. 

Around the humble hearthstone in a rural district of 
Georgia, far away from the learned and elite, Margaret 
McDonald taught her son Laughlin the principles of the 
Christian religion, and thus, as an humble instrument in 
the hand of God, made him a polished gentleman like his 
divine Master. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



221 



Great as was Rev. Laughlin McDonald when viewed 
simply with respect to his social endowments, it is as 
a preacher that he is best known. Here it may be said 
that God bestowed upon him many gifts which specially 
fitted him for being an ambassador of the cross. There 
was something attractive and commanding in his per- 
sonal appearance.. In his early ministry Mr. McDonald 
was, apparently, beset by none of the infirmities of the 
flesh. His personal appearance in the pulpit was com- 
manding. Again, he was possessed of a voice of wonder- 
ful compass and exquisite melody. To his majestic per- 
sonal appearance and marvelous voice power may be 
added a vivid imagination, very superior descriptive 
powers, and a heart susceptible of being moved easily 
and powerfully. With his natural abilities, had he 
entered the political arena, he would have ranked with 
Daniel Webster and Henry Clay; had he chosen the 
forum, he would have taken position in that place where 
Webster said, "There is always room." "It may be safely 
said that had he settled in New York, and been in con- 
nection with some of the large denominations, he would 
have ranked among the first pulpit orators." — Robert 
Lathan, D. D. He bore the sore bereavement of cancer 
of the face with Christian fortitude and patience, express- 
ing a desire to depart and be with Christ which is far 
better. 

McDonald, Charles Edgar. — Son of Rev. Laughlin 
and Melissa Lucinda (Stinson) McDonald, was born 
near Richburg, Chester Co., S. C, Nov. 23rd, 1859. Pre- 
pared for college at New Hope, S. C, by Mr. H. M., 
now Dr., Henry, he graduated at Erskine College, July 
4th, 1877. Spending the next two years with his wid- 
owed mother on their farm in Fairfield Co., S. C, his 
theological course was taken at Erskine Seminary and 
license was granted him by the First Presbytery,, Sept. 
6th, 1881. Steele Creek, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, 



222 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




C. E. M c DONALD. 



called this promising li- 
centiate and his ordina- 
tion and installation took 
place Nov. 3rd, 1882. From 
Oct., 1885, to April, 1886, 
by consent of his congre- 
gation and arrangement 
of his* Presbytery, he sup- 
plied the mission in Char- 
lotte, N. C. On Dec. 23rd, 
1886, he was happily mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret 
Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. 
Robert Hemphill Harris, 
of York Co., S. C. She 



was born July 28th, 1866, and graduated from the Char- 
lotte Female Institute, 1885. During his pastorate at 
Steele Creek, the two former sites, Steele Creek and 
Blackstocks, were sold and Central was built and hard 
by a manse. Both these were large and comfortable. 
This congregation was demitted April 5th, 1892, and 
installed pastor of Winnsboro, S. C, May 13th, 1892. 
A new parsonage and a new church seem to be his twin 
passions. Soon after his 1 pastorate began at Winnsboro, 
a large and elegant parsonage was bought and the Cen- 
tennial Synod, 1903, will dedicate the new church. 

He was moderator of the Synod at Due West, 1895, 
delegate to the Young People's Convention of the United 
Presbyterian Church at Saratoga, N. Y., Aug. 5, 1898, 
and made an address "Echoes from the Cross" ; and an 
appointed delegate to the Psalm Singers' Conference at 
Belfast, Ireland, Aug., 1902. 

In 1884 he was elected a member of the South Carolina 
Historical Society. From 1893 to 1902 the editorship of 
the A. R. P. Quarterly was his responsibility and he has 
served as editor of the Woman's Department of the A. R. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



223 



Presbyterian for fifteen years. A delightful and in- 
structive companion, a bright and sunny Christian, a 
welcome guest, a ripe scholar, an efficient presbyter, a 
devoted pastor, a popular orator, an eloquent preacher, 
and a devoted Christian, he lives yet in the hearts and 
works, in the homes of .a delighted people. 

Since the above was written, Mrs. McDonald has 
passed hence, falling asleep most happily June 15th, 1903. 

McElroy, Rev. John. — Rev. John McElroy's father 
was Samuel McElroy. His mother, Mary Stevenson. 
He was born in Anderson Co., S. C, November :30th, 
1805. He enjoyed the most limited educational advan- 
tages. He joined the church in early life. He studied 
theology privately and was licensed to preach by the 
Georgia Presbytery at Bethesda, Cobb Co., Ga. He sup- 
plied Doraville, Ga., and White Oak, Ga., but was never 
installed as pastor. He married Margaret Chestnut 
McDill, of Newton County, Georgia, a daughter of 
George and Margaret Douglas McDill. His wife was 
born in Chester Co., S. C, Feb. 15, 1812. They had 
one living child. She died May 18th, 1884. 

McElroy, Andrew Jackson. — Andrew Jackson McEl- 
roy's parents were Samuel McElroy and Mary Steven- 
son. He was born in Anderson County, S. C, March 
15, 1 8 16. He received a common school education and 
prepared for college under Rev. T. T. Turner, but did 
not graduate. He joined Prosperity Church, near Dora- 
ville, Ga.,, Aug. 13th, 1836. He was received as a stu- 
dent of divinity by the Georgia Presbytery, and entered 
the Seminary at Due West. He preached af Bethesda 
and Prosperity, in DeKalb Co., Ga., in 1844. He went to 
Decatur Co., Ga., in 1845, an d preached until 1856. He 
was ordained and installed by the Georgia Presbytery 
at their spring meeting in 1847, at Pleasant Grove, De- 
catur Co., Ga. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



After this he returned and preached at Prosperity and 
White Oak until after the war. He was installed pas- 
tor of White Oak. He married, in 1840, Miss Margaret 
McDonald, a daughter of Mr. Neal and Sarah Curry 
McDonald. His wife was born in South Carolina, in 
1820. She was the mother of six children. She died at 
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Byram, in Nashville, 
Tenn. Her husband at the time of his death was editor 
of The Jonesboro News, at Jonesboro, Georgia. 

M cElwee, William Meek, 
D. L>. — Rev. William 
Meek McElwee, D. D., 
was the son of William 
McElwee and Rachel 
Newman, and was born on 
Clark's Fork, York Co., 
J^v S. C, April 1st, 1802. His 

education was received at 
Statesville, N. C, under 
Rev. John Mushat, and he 
graduated at the South 
Carolina College in 1820. 
In pursuing: his theologi- 

W. M. MCELWEE, SR., D. D. •. t 

cal studies, he spent one 
year under Rev John Mushat, at Statesville, N. C, and 
completed his course in the Associate Seminary at Can- 
onsburg, Pa., and was licensed by the Associate Presby- 
tery of the Carolinas, Aug 3rd, 1825. On April 25th, 
1827, he was ordained by the same Presbytery, and in- 
stalled pastor of Sharon and Tirzah, York Co., S. C. 
This pastoral relation continued until Oct., 1832. 

At that time, owing to the agitation on the subject of 
slavery, he demitted his charge in S. C. and went north, 
and became pastor of the Associate congregations of 
Frankfort Springs and Service, in Beaver Co., Pa., in 
1833, and continued pastor there for many years. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 225 



He died June 1st, 1886, at Frankfort Springs, Pa. 

Mr. McElwee was married in 1825 at Canonsburg, Pa., 
to Miss Maria Ramsey, daughter of the Rev. Dr. James 
Ramsey, President of the Associate Seminary at Can- 
onsburg. They had no children, and she died only a 
little more than a month before her husband. Dr. 
McElwee was a man of large influence in his church, and 
had much to do in bringing about the union of the Asso- 
ciate Synod and the Associate Reformed Synod, which 
formed the United Presbyterian Church of North 
America. 



graduated in 1845. Studying divinity in the home of 
Rev. J. G. Witherspoon, of Coddle Creek, N. C, till his 
death, Jan. 6, 1846, the course was completed at Ers'kine 
Seminary and license granted by the First Presbytery 
April 1 8th, 1848. About the first of May, 1848, he 
reached the Valley of Virginia commissioned to supply 
Ebenezer and Broad Creek, Rockbridge Co. His at- 
tractive manners, pulpit eloquence and earnest piety 
won these hospitable and well indoctrinated Virginians, 
and after supplying them some two years, he was or- 
dained and installed pastor July 26th, 1850. 




W. M. M C ELWEE, JR., D. D. 



McElzvee, William Meek, 
D. D. — Descended from 
John R. and Rebekah 
McElwee, both of whose 
parents, John and William., 
were elders and founders 
of Bethany, York Co., S. 
C, was born Jan. 10th, 
1826, the subject of this 
sketch, in York Co., S.C. 
His Hannah-like mother 
devoted him to the minis- 
try from his very birth. 
After five years, spent in 
Erskine College, he was 



15 



226 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Broad Creek was demitted in i860 and the whole time 
given to Ebenezer and Bethel, a new organization on 
Kerr's Creek. This charge opened up bright prospects 
for pastor and people and a numerous, loyal and loving 
people waited on his ministry. If it was a hard and dis- 
couraging struggle during the dark days, '61 to '65, it 
was possibly more so seemingly when money and other 
property was lost, farms dilapidated, stock taken and 
many discouraged. Because of these discouragements 
the pastor was constrained to visit by invitation some 
Southern sympathizers in Washington Co., Pa., and Bel- 
mont Co., Ohio, but he did not see his way to accept a 
call there. Ebenezer and Bethel, Va., were demitted 
April 17, 1868, and he became a member of the Ken- 
tucky Presbytery, supplying their vacancies. He was 
honored and entrusted by the Synod to extend her salu- 
tations to the General Assembly Presbyterian Church in 
Louisville, Ky., May, 1870. Oct. 13th of that year, he, 
with some others of his Presbytery, joined the Presby- 
terian Church. In 1851 his life was linked with Miss 
Anna R. Harvey, of Lexington, Va., "a lady of remark- 
able intelligence and strength of mind and character." 
She died lamented July 1, 1901. Kings College, Bristol, 
Tenn., conferred the title of D. D. in 1895. 

Universally loved and honored by his people, he toiled 
in the ministry over half a century and received his re- 
ward Aug. 24th, 1901. 

McKnightj James. — Son of James and Mrs (McKey) 
McKnight, born two miles northeast of Coddle Creek, 
N. C, Feb. 3rd, 1770 ; was graduated at Dickinson Col- 
lege, Pa., May 2nd, 1792, and studied' theology privately 
with Rev. Alexander Dobbin, at Gettysburg, Pa. The 
Second A. R. Presbytery of Pennsylvania granted him 
license April 3rd, 1794, and ordination Sept., 1796, and 
he was sent to supply vacancies in Kentucky and Caro- 
lina. His installation as pastor of Coddle Creek, Iredell 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



227 



Co., and Prosperity and Gilead, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, 
occurred in 1797. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth Tor- 
rence, of Coddle Creek took place some time prior to 
this. No children were the fruit' of this marriage, and 
she died Nov. 10th, 1830, in the 62nd year of her age. 

He retained this, his only charge, covering a large part 
of upper Mecklenburg and parts of Iredell and Cabarras 
till his death, Sept. 17th, 1831. Accompanied by an elder 
from Prosperity, Henry Hunter, he attended the first 
meeting of the A. R. Synod of the Carolinas and Georgia, 
May 9th, 1803. 

He was a man of great energy and power; weighing 
300 lbs., he always rode Jehu-like, and consequently a 
sway back horse. His voice was in proportion to his 
size and energy and youths at a far distant spring dis- 
cussing the last general muster could make their absent 
mother believe they heard the sermon. These were the 
days of long sermons, and two at that, and often the 
stars were out and the chickens on roost when a family 
two miles distant reached home. His marriage cere- 
mony was usually an hour. As he was unwearying in 
the pulpit, so he was systematic and faithful in family 
visitation. 

During a sermon which had consumed the greater part 
of a long summer evening, and the sun getting low, Mr. 
Blackstocks arose and addressed Mr. McKnight, "My 
brother, what you are saying is very good, but it is grow- 
ing late and many of these people have a long road to 
get home. Such being the case, I think you had better 
bring your discourse to a close." To this Mr. McKnight 
replied : "My hearers, God's ministers never have any- 
thing good to say but Satan is throwing some hindrance 
in the way. Paul preached till midnight on one occa- 
sion." 

"Yes, he did," rejoined Mr. Blackstocks, "and a young 
man fell down from the loft and was taken up dead, 
and now do you think if some of these people get killed 



228 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



going home, that you can restore them to life as Paul did 
that young man?" 




J. M. M C LAIN. 



M cLain, James Millen. 
—Son of Henry and Isa- 
bella Catherine (White) 
McLain, was born in Al- 
exander Co., N. C, Aug. 
6th, 1848. Prepared for 
college at Elk Shoal Acad- 
emy, under the magnetic 
Pres,sly and the majestic 
Burke, he graduated at 
Erskine College, July 10, 
1872. After spending one 
session at the U. P. Sem- 
inary, Monmouth, 111., and 
another at Erskine Divin- 



ity Hall,, he was licensed by the First Presbytery, Sept. 
7th, 1875. Early afterwards he began as stated supply 
of King's Mountain and Bethel, Cleveland Co., N. C, 
and was ordained and installed pastor, June I, 1877. 
King's Mountain was demitted April 5th, 1881, and 
Bethel, Sept 6, 1882. In two weeks he joined the Pres- 
byterian church. 

He was, March 6th, 1877, happily married to Miss 
Mary Ellen, daughter of A. P. Campbell, M. D., of 
Clover, S. C. She was born Aug. 19th, 1857, an d is an 
amiable and devoted wife and mother. He resides at, 
and is pastor of, Poplar Tent, Cabarras Co., N. C, an 
earnest, acceptable and useful minister. 

McLaughlin, Isaac Grier. — Born near Sardis, Meck- 
lenburg Co., N. C, Jan. 29, 1820; began Latin at 14 
under Dr. Williamson; finished preparatory studies at 
Union Academy, under Revs. R. C. Grier and James 
Walker. On horseback he went to Jefferson, in the fall of 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



229 



1838, and graduated in the fall of 1841. One session 
was spent in Erskine Seminary. 

In company with Rev. E. E. Boyce, he traveled over- 
land to Canonsburg, Pa., to complete his Theological 
education, and there also on Oct. 9th, 1842, was married 
to Margaret Augusta Black. 

Spending that winter in Allegheny Seminary under 
Dr. J. T. Pressly, he was licensed by the First Presbytery 
June 6th, 1843. 

A weary traveler called for lodging late Saturday 
night, July 13th, 1844, at Grey Sulphur Springs, Monroe 
Co., West Va. The dining room is converted into a 
sanctuary and he faces his first Virginia audience. He 
was ordained and installed pastor of New Lebanon, Mon- 
day, Aug. 4th, 1845. His ministry was greatly blessed- 
Eighteen were added on this occasion and in May or 
June, 1849, some 57. He was in labors abundant, in 
reaching out to the destitute, in the long, cold rides 
through these valleys, and over these mountains to com- 
fort the sick, to solemnize marriage, perform the rite 
of baptism and bury the dead. 

Mrs. McLaughlin toiled in the home and assisted him 
in the school-room ; wrought in private while he worked 
in public and cared for their little children while he was 
concerned for those of others. While living temporarily 
at Rocky Point, she died suddenly, March 20th, 1855, 
aged 34 years. 

The care of six motherless children and a call to Back 
Creek, N. C, near his own mother led him to demit Leb- 
anon, May 1856, and he was installed over this new 
charge Oct. 24, 1856. Here 'began an official ministry of 
40 years, a real ministry of some 47 years. It had its 
joys and sorrows as well as its successes. 

A second happy union was formed with Miss Marga- 
ret Wright McElwee, of York Co., S. C. Six children 

were the fruit of this marriage. A scourge of fever • 
swept through his family. In two months and a half 



230 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



four children and their mother, the entire family of his 
second marriage, all these in rapid succession were called 
to the long home ; and yet this Job-like brother, was meek 
and submissive. Worn out with years and constant 
labors, he surrendered a 40 years official leadership Sept. 
22, 1896, though continuing as stated supply till July f , 
1899, when his successor was installed. 

Father McLaughlin is a man of most amiable temper- 
ament, a peace maker, a treasure in the sick room, a 
comforter to the dying, and a benediction at funerals. 
He was meek like his Master, went about doing good, 
and breathed the spirit of gentleness and love. 

He is now rounding out an active ministry of 60 years, 
a record unparalleled in our Synod, yea in few Synods. 
A wise counsellor, a most agreeable companion, a faith- 
ful pastor, an instructive preacher, a model father, hus- 
band and Christian is Father McLaughlin. 

McMorries, W. W. — John McMorries and Dorcas 
Elizabeth Hawthorne were blessed with one son, Wil- 
liam Washington, the subject of this sketch. He was 
born in Newberry, S. C, on August 17th, 1859. He was 
early bereft of his father, the latter having been killed in 
the civil war. His mother sent him to Due West to be 
educated. He attended the Due West Female College, 
entered Erskine in due time and graduated in 1880. 

He was indebted to his grandfather, Andrew Haw- 
thorne, and to his uncle, Rev. W. M. Grier, D. D., for 
his education. In 1882, he connected with Kings Creek 
Church in Newberry, and shortly after was received as 
a student of Theology by Second Presbytery at Troy, S. 
C. Was called to the pastorate of Kings Creek and 
Cannon Creek churches, in Newberry Co., S. C, and in- 
stalled over these churches in 1884. This pastorate lasted 
for ten years. He was suspended from the ministry in 
1894 because of disobedience to the order of Presbytery. 
This order was that he discontinue preaching within the 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



231 



bounds of the Prosperity congregation, because the peace 
and harmony of that church was disturbed by his con- 
duct. He gave up King's Creek church, but Cannon 
Creek still adheres to him, where he continues to preach 
at the present writing. Mr. McMorries has never mar- 
ried. 

McMullan, Peter. — Beginning life in the second half 
of the 1 8th century, in the Emerald Isle, his literary and 
divinity training in Scotland, he was pastor for a time 
of the Associate congregation of Ahoghil, Ireland. 
Reaching S. C. in 1789, he was a charter member of the 
Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia, organized Feb. 
24th, 1790. In the spring of 1794, he was installed pas- 
tor of Due West, S. C. "Possessed of great physical 
strength, stentorian lungs and popular talents gener- 
ally, his settlement promised extensive usefulness. Dur- 
ing the early part of his ministry, his energy and zeal 
were instrumental in collecting a large and flourishing 
congregation." Charges being preferred against him 
by his elders, his Presbytery deposed him, Oct. 13th, 
1 80 1. The next meeting was at Sharon, York Co., S. 
C, April 16th, 1802. The only ministers present were 
Revs. Alexander Porter and William Dickson. The lat- 
ter, with ruling elders, being in the majority, voted his 
restoration. He subsequently declined the authority of 
the Synod, and, Rev. Dickson joining, applied to the 
Chartiers Associate Presbytery. 

Unfortunately, Mr. McMullan's habits nor influence 
improved in the new organization, since his Presbytery 
was obliged to suspend him in 1806, and by advice of 
Synod a formal act of deposition was passed in 1807. 
Soon afterwards he moved to Lincoln Co., Tenn. Miss 
Ross, of Due West, S. C, became his wife. One daugh- 
ter, decidedly pious, married Andrew Mullins, and cared 

for her father in age and infirmity. He taught in his I 
latter years and had the honor of training such pupils as 



232 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Col. Thomas Benton, for thirty years U. S. Senator from 
Missouri. 

"Sometimes at the solicitation of the people, he would 
preach, and the old people tell us he was a powerful one, 
and frequently would close bathed in tears, with the ob- 
servation, 'Friends, do as I have told you, and not as I 
have done.' " — Rev. A. S. Sloan. 

He died in the teens of the 19th century and lies buried 
two miles northwest of Blanche, Lincoln Co., Tenn. It 
is said of him that he is an example of good parts and 
excellent training lost for the want of self government. 
"Rev. Peter McMullan brings us in sight of the beacon 
lights, and while we would go backward and spread a 
mantle, let us not extinguish the lights God, in His prov- 
idence, has kept burning for nearly one hundred years 
on the path of the church to warn ministers of danger 
near." — Dr. E. E. Boyce. 

Meza, Rev. Francisco Mellado. — The missionary in 
Tantima is the youngest son of Nestor Mellado and Ja- 
cinta Meza, and was born in Panuco, State of Vera 
Cruz,, on the sixth of October, 1870. 

At the age of eighteen months, his mother died, and 
when three years old he was left an orphan. He was 
cared for and raised by an aunt. In 1884, when about 
the age of fourteen years, he was brought under the in- 
fluence of the gospel and was one of the first of three 
persons baptized in Panuco by Dr. Neill E. Pressly. Rev. 
Zenon Zaleta was soon after this put in charge of the 
work in Panuco, and with the preacher he lived and be- 
gan studying under him. He had gone to school very 
little. He made a public profession of his faith and was 
baptized at Panuco in 1885. 

Rev. Z. Zaleta died in 1888, and then he began to work 
at the blacksmith trade, keeping up his studies at night 
and when time permitted. His zeal for the gospel was 
manifest from the time he became a member of the 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



233 



Church. After the death of Rev. Z. Zaleta, he met often 
with the people at the places he had visited, and read the 
Bible to them, exhorting them as best he could and also 
he distributed tracts through the ranchos. 

In 1890, Dr. Pressly brought him to Tampico and with 
diligence he began to prosecute studies under his teach- 
ing with a view to the ministry. His progress was most 
satisfactory, and in 189 1 he became a member of the 
Tampico Presbytery and by this Presbytery was li- 
censed at El Mesias in Chiconcillo in 1892. Work was 
assigned him by the Presbytery at Tantima, State of 
Vera Cruz, in April, 1893, and he is yet stationed at that 
place. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry 
at Tampico, State of Tamaulipas, in 1894. His work 
has not grown much. He is an acceptable preacher, but 
he has a hard field. 

He was married to Srita Galdina Botello on the 24th 
of May, 1893, and four children have been born to them, 
■ — Berta, Elvira, Ernesto and Napoleon. 



N. C, May 7, 1901, and 
ordained by the same Presbytery at Chester, S C, Jan. 
15, 1902. He married Miss Lois, daughter of Rev. John 




J. R. MILLEN. 



Millen, Rev. John Rob- 
ert. — Born Sept. 3, i860, 
in the bounds of Union 
congregation, Chester Co., 
S. C, the son of John and 
Isabella McMaster (Hen- 
ry) Millen. He received 
his college education at 
Erskine College, which he 
entered in 1895. He grad- 
uated from Erskine The- 
ological Seminary in 1901. 
Was licensed by the First 
Presbytery, at Ebenezer, 



234 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



K. Simpson, at Hickory Grove, S. C, Dec. 26, 1901. She 
was educated in the Due West Female College. Synod 
in 1901 appointed him to the Texas Presbytery for the 
work at Hermon, Okla. He began . lis work there in Jan- 
uary, 1902, and still continues in the field. 

Millen, William Hemphill. — Son of Robert and Nancy 
(Lynn) Millen, was born in Chester Co., S. C, Nov. 7, 
1852. He enjoyed fairly good educational opportunities 
and 1 graduated from Erskine College,, Due West, S. C, 
July 4th, 1876. He joined Union (Chester Co., S. C.) 
Associate Reformed church in August, 1870, and was 
received as a student of Theology by the First Presby- 
tery at King's Mountain, N. C, in April of 1877. His 
course in Theology was prosecuted first in Erskine The- 
ological Seminary, at Due West, S. C, and afterwards 
at Xenia Seminary, Ohio. He was licensed by the First 
Presbytery at Neely's Creek church, S. C, July 30, 1878, 
and was ordained Nov. 21, 1879,, at Union, Chester Co., 
S. C, by the same Presbytery. 

He served the Winnsboro Church, S. C, for six 
months, and for three years he labored as Missionary in 
the State of Texas. For ten years he was the pastor of 
Ebenezer, Miss., and a new church building, and a well 
organized, active and growing congregation are some 
of the external evidences of his faithful ministry. For 
four years he was pastor of Ebenezer and Hinkston, Ky., 
and seven years he has acceptably served in his present 
pastorate over Richland and Brighton, the former in 
Shelby, the latter in Tipton Co., Tenn. 

Rev. Millen is possessed of splendid oratorical powers, 
preaching without note, carefully prepared sermons. He 
is, moreover, efficient in personal work, and is a diligent, 
faithful pastor. For a number of years he was Stated 
Clerk of the Memphis Presbytery and is at present the 
Superintendent of Missions of his Presbytery. 

He was married near Winnsboro, S. C, April 17th, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



235 



1879, to Jessie May Rabb, daughter of John G. Rabb and 
Nancy Watt. She was born near Winnsboro, S. C, 
May 1st, 1853. A son and two daughters are the chil- 
dren God has given them. 

Millen, Stafford Currie, D. D. — Was born near Fish- 
ing Creek church, Chester Co., S. C, March 1st, 1812. 
Having irreproachable, industrious and Christian pa- 
rents he was piously trained. In early life the ministry 
was his desired profession, and with this purpose in view 
his early education was taken under Dr. John B. Gaston, 
of Chester Co., S. C, and at Fairview Academy, in 
Greenville Co., S. C. 

A journey to Xenia, Ohio, in March, 1833, opened 
to him additional literary advantages. In the Acad- 
emy here Mr. Millen remained one year and then en- 
tered Indiana University where a complete course was 
interrupted by ill health. One year was spent teaching 
near this Institution and returning South a school was 
opened January, 1838, near the home of Rev. Warren 
Flenniken, Chester Co., S. C. This generous pastor 
and wife boarded him free and extended to him the 
kindness of a parent for a son during this year, as also 
acting the part of Aquila and Priscilla in his divinity 
studies. After two years in Erskine Seminary the First 
Presbytery gave him license April 21, 1840, and or- 
dained and installed him pastor of Tirzah, Union Co., N. 
C, and Shiloh, Lancaster County, S. C. Nov. 17th, 1841. 
These demitted Oct. 4, 1845, ne started 16 days after- 
wards to Kentucky with a bride. 

Returning July, 1846, he began as stated supply of 
New Stirling and Virgin Spring, Iredell Co., N. C., 
Nov. 1, 1846, and was installed over the former Nov. 
8th, 1847. This was Dr. Millen's great and best work. 
For twenty years they had been destitute of a fixed 

pastor. Many things had gone wrong, but, being a • 
kind and teachable people and respectful to the minis- 



236 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



ters of the gospel, by the blessing of God upon warm 
preaching and wholesome discipline there was a great 
change. Fifty years ahead on the temperance ques- 
tion, he threw the strength of his strong character and 
the denunciation of his powerful oratory against in- 
temperance with marked success. 

He spent years here and his official connection ceased 
Sept. 9th, 1853. His next charge was Yorkville and 
Tirzah, York Co., S. C, installed Dec. 8th, 1853. He 
retired from this field Nov., 1857, the official resigna- 
tion being April 20th, 1858, and spent a year supply- 
ing the United Presbyterian Church of Clayton, 111. 
The fall of 1858 found him broken in health and unable 
to preach; he opened a school in Yorkville, S. C. In 
July, i860, he accepted the Presidency of the States- 
ville Female College, N. C, and Sept. 4th following 
severed his connection with the Associate Reformed 
Church. 

He was twice married. First to Miss Sarah Ann 
Adline McQuerns, Dec. 9th, 1841. Short was her mar- 
ried life. The reaper came to the young minister's 
home Sept. 29th, 1842. On Thursday, Oct. 15, 1845, 
he was again married to Miss Nancy E. Henry, of York 
Co., S. C, Rev. R. C. Grier officiating. 

Dr. Millen excelled in bold denunciation of wrong as 
well as strong support of truth. In fact, his earnestness 
and overwork broke down a constitution never strong. 
He was even braver and more heroic in suffering. He 
called the last three years his "dying days." A Baxter 
in suffering, a Payson in spirituality, a saintly man, 
his sufferings ceased, and he fell on sleep April 13th, 
1874, and godly Mrs. Millen, a most excellent woman, 
departed this life Oct. 16th, 1890. 

Miller, John Gardner. — Son of James Miller and Isa- 
bella McCullough, was born June 23, 1823, in Fairfield 
Co., S. C. His educational opportunities were not good. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



237 




J. G. MILLER. 



His parents taught him 
at home, so that he could 
read distinctly at five years 
jf age. He was a pupil in 
the common schools until 
his ninth year, a few 
months each year. In 1837 
he came to Tipton Co., 
Tenn. From his 9th to 
his 22nd year, he went to 
school but two weeks. He 
returned to S. C. in his 
26th year, and attended 
school under Mr. S. P. 
Rice, an excellent teacher. 



Preparatory to entering college, he prosecuted study at 
Concord Academy, under the tuition of Rev. J. R. Gil- 
land, noted for his efficiency in teaching Latin, Greek 
and the higher branches of mathematics. He graduated 
from Erskine College in 1854. 

He united with the church at Salem, Tipton Co., 
Tenn., about the year 1844. He was received as a stu- 
dent of Theology in 1853 by the Second Presbytery, at 
Bethel Church, Laurens Co., S. C, and prosecuted his 
studies at Erskine Seminary, and was licensed to preach 
by the same Presbytery in 1855, at Cedar Springs, and 
during that year was also ordained, sine titulo, by that 
Presbytery. His field of labor was Micanopy and vi- 
cinity. Then he labored a year in Head Springs, Pros- 
perity and Cannon's Creek, Newberry Co., S. C, and at 
White Oak, Ga., and New Hope, Ky. Then two years 
in Nashville, Mt. Olivet and Flemingsburg. 

He was called to the pastorate of Mt. Zion, Mo., and 
preached there fourteen years, but was never installed. 
After that he labored ten years at Mt. Paran, Tipton Co., 
Tenn. 

He married Miss Martha Jane Williams in Nash- • 



2 3 8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



ville, Tenn., Dec. 29, 1859. She was a daughter of 
Elmore W. Williams and Louise (Bell) Williams, and 
was born in Davidson Co., Tenn., Oct. 20, 1836. She 
was the only child of her mother. Five sons and five 
daughters were born unto them. One son is not. She 
died Dec. 12, 1886. 

His father was. born and reared in County Antrim, 
Ireland. His maternal grandparents were born and mar- 
ried in County Antrim, Ireland, but his mother was 
born in Fairfield County, S. C. 



Sarah Pressly, youngest daughter of Dr. Samuel Pressly 
and Elizabeth Hearst Pressly. In 1853 and 1854 he con- 
ducted a large school at Society Hill, in Wilcox County, 
along with his pastoral duties, and in 1855 was elected 
President of Wilcox Female Institute,, at Camden, Ala. 
In 1858 he was elected President of Erskine College, 
but declined to accept. He was at different times mod- 
erator of the Synod, twice delegate of his church to the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, and was 
member of a committee of his own church to revise the 
metrical version of the Psalms. He died June 3rd, 1878, 




JOHN MILLER, D. D. 



Miller, John, D. D — 
Dr. John Miller was born 
July 24th, 1825, in York 
District, S. C. ; entered 
Erskine College in 1840; 
graduated in 1843, an d 
was licensed in 1845 5 
preached in Virginia in 
1845, an d came on horse- 
back from Virginia to 
Lebanon Church, Wilcox 
County, Alabama, in 1846, 
and was installed pastor 
the same year. In 1846 
he was married to Miss 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



239 



pastor of his first and only charge, at Oak Hill, Wilcox 
Co.,, Ala., over which he was the under shepherd for 
about thirty years. He left a widow, since deceased, 
and five sons and three daughters, viz. : Hon. J. N. Mil- 
ler and Hon. B. M. Miller, Camden, Ala. ; Hon. J. H. 
Miller, Birmingham, Ala. ; Mr. James P. Miller, Rose- 
bud, Ala. ; Mrs. Barnette M. Pogue, Gadsden, Ala. ; Mrs. 
A. G. Brice, Chester, S. C. ; Mrs. Janie M. Dale, Oak 
Hill, Ala. ; and David P Miller, Camden, Ala., since de- 
ceased. The degrees of A. M. and D. D. were conferred 
on Dr. Miller by his Alma Mater. In 1866 he purchased 
the Wilcox Female Institute, at Camden, Ala., and for 
five years made it one of the first institutions of learning 
in South Alabama. At the end of five years he returned 
to his people at Oak Hill, as pastor. 

During the war he visited his young men in the 
army at Port Hudson, in Miss., and preached for them 
for several months, and the "Wilcox True Blues" pre- 
sented him with a handsome family Bible, which he 
greatly prized. 

He was a loyal and liberal friend of his Alma Mater. 
He had by virtue of subscription to the ante bellum en- 
dowment of Erskine College a perpetual scholarship in 
the College and until that endowment failed by the 
disasters of the war, he kept a worthy young man there 
as the beneficiary of this privilege. 

The foregoing constitutes the outline of the work and 
achievements of Dr. Miller. When he graduated, Dr. 
Ebenezer Pressly, then President of Erskine, said, as 
Dr. Miller, a boy of eighteen years, took his seat after 
delivering his graduating speech, "I expect to hear from 
that boy." Dr. Miller in his youthful ministry wrote 
his sermons in blank verse — he was not only of a phi- 
losophic but poetic turn of mind. Hon. W. A. Lee, of 
Abbeville, S. C, a classmate of Dr. Miller, in writing 
a sketch of the class of 1843, sa -id of the subject of this 
sketch, "He was a poet and a genius, with a mind singu- 



240 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



larly acute and philosophical, whose early promise has 
been amply verified in the achievements of after life. 
He came to Due West in the first flush of his early 
youth and bright with the glow of health and intellect 
and remained a model student to the close of his Acad- 
emic career. After years of labor in pulpit, school 
room and college, as has been herein before recorded, 
he spent the closing years of his life as Pastor of his 
first and only charge, among the scenes of his early la- 
bors and in sweet accord with the youthful and dearest 
associations of his life." 

Dr. Miller was not only a scholar, but an orator. It is 
recorded of him that while he taught in school and col- 
lege, he never ceased to preach each Sabbath, and that 
he was a man of great and recognized pulpit powers. 
His wonderful research and earnestness, his resistless 
force and amazing profoundness, attracted up to his 
death great admiration. "He loved the work of Pas- 
tor. He was devoted to the cause of a risen Saviour.' " 
His people not only respected but loved him. He la- 
bored for them a lifetime, and the church he founded at 
Oak Hill stands as his memorial. It has stood like a 
rock in the cause of right now near a half century, true 
and loyal, not to Christ and his cause alone, but loyal 
to the distinct features of our denomination. Dr. Mil- 
ler was too broad a man to be sectarian, but he was too 
true to be disloyal. It takes a special form and quality 
of loyalty and moral courage to stand almost alone on 
the frontier for the peculiar tenets of our faith. With 
our ministers in the West, there is no touch of elbows as 
in the East. 

In the wall of the church at Oak Hill, to the right of 
the pulpit he occupied so long, is a marble tablet with 
the inscription : "To Rev. John Miller, D. D. Our 
Pastor for 30 years. The righteous shall be in ever- 
lasting remembrance." 

Rev. A. J. Witherspoon, D. D., himself then a citizen 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



241 



of Alabama, in giving an account of Dr. Miller's visit 
in 1875 to the Presbyterian General Assembly at New 
Orleans, as delegate from our church, said, "that Dr. 
Miller was one of the foremost men in the pulpit of 
Alabama." When the history of old Lebanon on 
Prairie Creek, and Bethel Church at Oak Hill, and fe- 
male education in Wilcox County, and Associate Re- 
formed Presbyterianism in Alabama, and the great 
overshadowing cause of gospel truth in Alabama, are 
fully recorded, the name of Rev. John Miller, D. D., 
will be interwoven with them all. 



mortal motives, the ministry, graduating July 12, 1871. 
That winter was spent in Allegheny Seminary, Pa. 
Oct. 2nd, 1872, his life was blessed in a happy matrimo- 
nial union with Miss Roberta S., daughter of James and 
Elizabeth Emmons, of Statesville, N. C. With Mrs. Mil- 
ler, he repaired to Erskine Seminary and, finishing his 
course, was licensed by the First Presbytery, July 18, 
1873. The following Sabbath preached his first sermon 
after licensure at New Stirling, his mother church. 
For the next year his time was divided between the 




R. G. MILLER, D. D. 



Miller, Robert Grier, D. 
D. — Of the pious and 
godly Thomas and Nancy 
Miller, of Alexander Co., 
N. C, was born the sub- 
ject of this sketch Sept. 
30th, 1849. His brother 
and guardian, Col. J. S. 
Miller, put him under Dr. 
S. C. Millen and later un- 
der the tuition of Prof 
H. T. Burke and his pas- 
tor, Rev. W. B. Pressly. 
He entered Erskine Col- 
lege with the highest of 



16 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



charge of his pastor and New Hope, S. C, at which 
place he was ordained and installed Dec. 2nd, 1874. In 
many respects this was a prosperous pastorate. The 
liberality of the congregation, always generous, im- 
proved, an expensive iron fence was put around the 
cemetery and a new and handsome house of worship 
was erected and some sixty were added to the roll. This 
charge was demitted Aug. 31, 1886. In the spring of 
1887 three calls were presented. One from Coddle 
Creek and New Perth, one from Charlotte, N. C, and a 
third from Sardis, N. C. The latter being accepted, his 
installation took place May 13th, 1887. This brother 
has borne a large share of the honors and responsibili- 
ties of his church. The Synod has given him rare 
trusts and she made no mistake. Early in the ministry, 
1884, called to the moderatorship of the Synod, he was 
also a delegate immediately after the sessions of Synod 
to the Psalm singiner Conference in Pittsburg, Pa. He 
bas, since 1886, and is yet a most efficient and punctual 
member of the Board of Trustees of Erskine College. 
The Board of Home Missions was organized in 1888. 
He was a charter member and still proves himself faith- 
ful, zealous and progressive. He served five years as 
Director of our Seminary. Last year, 1902, the addi- 
tional honor was worthily bestowed to bear the greet- 
ings of his Synod to the General Assembly of the 
United Presbyterian Church, in Allegheny, Pa. The 
title of D. D. was conferred by Erskine College, 1898. 
His tenacious and unyielding purpose to build a Dor- 
mitory for Erskine College was rewarded. He led in 
a far reaching enterprise which has been duplicated in 
the Wylie Home and will doubtless fill that lovely 
grove with more handsome memorial buildings. 

Bro. Miller is a well rounded man. Cultured, refined, 
with a delicately poised sense of right, deeply sympa- 
thetic, inviting approach and confidence, yet when prin- 
ciple or conscience is involved, he is an ecclesiastical 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



243 



"Stonewall." He could shine in the drawing room of 
the cultured and sit on a three-legged chair in the hum- 
blest home and make the inmates thereof feel easy. 

As to punctuality on the Boards, it has been well 
nigh complete. For 30 years a member of his Presby- 
tery, and for 28 years an ordained minister of Synod, 
it is said he has missed but one meeting from each. 
Such a record is seldom equalled, rarely excelled. 

As a presbyter, he is always watchful, progressive, 
reaching out to extend the Master's kingdom, ready 
and tactful and convincing in debate. 

As a pastor, he is faithful and successful, visiting 
from house to house setting an example of an unsul- 
lied personality and a beautiful home life. 

As a preacher, he is interesting, evangelical and in- 
structive, with winsome manner, with a musical voice, 
with deep earnestness, the Master gave him power in 
the pulpit. 

But, best of all, Bro. Miller has been from his youth 
familiar with the shut closet. Having wrestled in 
prayer, he is a prince possessing power with God and 
man. 




J. S. MILLS. 



Mills, James Spencer. — 
The subject of this sketch 
was born at Blackstock, 
S. C... September 10, 1848. 
His parents were James 
Young Mills and Sarah 
Isabella Nelson. To Rev. 
Robt. Lathan he was in- 
debted for his early edu- 
cation. Three of his sis- 
ters were educated at the 
Yorkville Female College, 
and to them also was due 
much of his early mental 
training. As a boy of six- 



244 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



teen, he enlisted as a Confederate soldier, and joined 
the State troops. He belonged to Hardee's Corps, and 
surrendered with Johnston's army. 

After his brief soldier career, he worked on the farm 
for a year or more, and then began preparation for 
college under Prof. W. B. Thompson. He entered the 
Sophomore class in Erskine College in 1868, and grad- 
uated in 1 87 1. Under the ministry of Rev. R. W. 
Brice he became a member of the church early in life, 
and turned his thoughts to the ministry. He connected 
with the First Presbytery at a call meeting at Long 
Cane, S. C, in the fall of 1871, entered the Seminary 
at Due West, completing his course in 1873. In the 
same year he was licensed to preach by First Presbytery 
at Ebenezer, N. C, July 18th, his pastor, Rev. R. W. 
Brice, propounding the questions. For several years he 
preached in vacancies in First Presbytery, and was or- 
dained at New Hope in 1876. His most important 
work was done in the old Tirzah congregation of Lan- 
caster, S. C. He was able, along with others, to keep 
about one-third of this church in the Associate Re- 
formed Communion, the larger part going into the 
Southern Presbyterian Church with Rev. D. P. Robin- 
son, their pastor. The minority that remained true to 
the principles of the Associate Reformed Church were 
organized into the new church of Unity. In 1876, Mr. 
Mills did some mission work in New Salem, Tennessee. 
But the people at this point became divided by politics. 

The Plymouth brethren also did proselyting among 
the members of this church, and between the excitement 
of politics in the Tilden and Hayes campaign and the 
disintegrating doctrines of the new sect, the church 
went to pieces. After this Bro. Mills supplied the 
churches of New Hope and Ebenezer, Ky., also Mt. 
Zion, Mo. Broken in health by the severe climate of 
Kentucky and Missouri, he was unable to preach for a 
year or more. In October, 1883, he went to Starkville, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



245 



Miss., and from there to Louisville, Ga., in November, 
1884. Here he settled over the united charges of Bethel 
and Louisville, and was installed by Dr. Phillips in 1885. 
He still serves these churches, preaching better, his peo- 
ple say, as he grows older. Bro. Mills has been twice 
married, first to Miss Alice A. McMillan, of Knox 
Co., Tennessee. Four children were the fruits of this 
marriage ; three survive, two daughters and a son. His 
first wife died August 31st, 1882. 

rlis second marriage was to Miss Alberta Helen Little, 
on April 28th, 1885, by whom he has seven children. 




Mills, Robert Young. — 
Rev. R. Y. Mills was the 
son of Edward McDaniel 
Mills and Martha E. Boyd, 
and was born near Black- 
stock, S. C, June 20th, 
1861. 

Even from childhood 
he said he was going to 
have an education and 
preach the gospel, and his 
wish was fulfilled, for he 
entered Erskine College 



Oct., 1880,, and graduated 

R. Y. MILLS. . 00 

m 1883. 

He was received as a student of Theology by the 
Second Presbytery at Long Cane, S. C, in the fall of 
1883, an d prosecuted his studies at Erskine Seminary 
at Due West, and at Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, 
and was licensed by the Second .Presbytery April nth, 
1885, at Doraville, Ga. He was sent to the Kentucky 
Presbytery in 1885, an ^ was ordained by that Presby- 
tery, and supplied churches in its bounds until April, 
1888. During the summer of 1888 he supplied Lancas- 
ter and Gills Creek churches in S. C, except during 



246 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



August and a part of September, when he was en- 
gaged in evangelistic work in West Tennessee. 

He was installed pastor of Lancaster and Gill's Creek 
in Nov., 1888, and continued there until his death, 
March 4th, 1889. He had expected to offer himself 
to the Board as a Foreign Missionary in the fall of 
1889, but death cut short this as well as many other 
bright prospects. He was a preacher of force and 
power, and the people heard him gladly. 

Mr. Mills was married Sept. 20th, 1888, near Coving- 
ton, Ga., to Miss Mary Lois Martin, the daughter of 
Rev. John E. Martin and Margaret Isabella Grier. She 
was born at Due West, S. C, July 3rd, 1868. Several 
years after the death of Mr. Mills, she was married to 
Rev. T. G. Boyce, of Atoka, Tenn. 



two years at Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, 
graduating at Muskingum in 1883. He was received as 
a student of theology in the autumn of 1884, by the 
Western Missouri Presbytery of the U. P. Church, at 
Mulberry, Mo. He graduated from the Allegheny U. P. 
Seminarv. after taking the three vears' course. In the 




Moffatt, James Strong. 
—Rev. J. S. Moffatt is the 
son of Rev. William S. 
Moffatt and Martha Jane 
Wilson, and was born at 
Wheeling, Fulton Co., 
Ark., July 17th, i860. 



J. S. MOFFATT, D. D. 



He gained the rudiments 
of an education from his 
mother, and afterwards 
attended schools in Union- 
town, Ohio, at Xenia and 
St. Clairsville, in the same 
State. He spent two years 
in Erskine College, and 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



247 



spring of 1885, ne was licensed by the Western Missouri 
Presbytery at Greenwood, Mo. 

In April, 1886, he connected with the First Presby- 
tery of the A. R. P. Synod, and had charge of the mis- 
sion at Charlotte, N. C, for one year, and was ordained 
at Charlotte, N. C, in July, 1886. In the spring of 1887 
he was called to the church at Chester, S. C, and was 
installed in the summer of the same year. Under his 
pastorate at this place, the work has greatly prospered. 
The congregation has built an elegant new church, and 
many wait on his ministry. 

Mr. Moffatt was married at Due West, S. C, Nov. 
23rd, 1886, to Miss Jennie Moffatt Grier, the daughter 
of the Rev. Dr. Wm. M. Grier and Nannie McMorries. 
She was born at Newberry, S. C, Sept. 2nd, 1865, an d 
is the mother of six children. 

Mr. Moffatt's father and his mother's father and 
grandfather were ministers in the A. R. P. Church. 
Mrs. Moffatt's father, grandfather, great grandfather, 
and great, great grandfather were also ministers in the 
A. R. P. Church. 

Moffatt, Josiah Hemphill. — Rev. Josiah Hemphill 
Moffatt was the son of William Moffatt and Margaret 
Hemphill and was born at Lewisville, in Chester Co., 
S. C, May 1st, 1836. 

His father was a prosperous merchant, and a leading 
member of Union congregation, and his mother was a 
daughter of Rev. John Hemphill, D. D. 

His early- opportunities, both in a social and edu- 
cational way, were of the best, and he developed into 
a godly and pious young man. He graduated at Er- 
skine College, in 1859, and even in his college days he 
manifested that pious and generous spirit which ever 
characterized him. Everything that seemed to contrib- 
ute to the glory of God and the spread of the gospel 
was met with an open purse. 



248 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



He helped a number of poor young men through 
college and only the giver and receiver knew about it. 
In addition to these private benefactions, he contributed 
the larger part of the money that was used in building 
the beautiful Hall of the Euphemian Literary Society, 
on the campus of Erskine College. 

After graduating at Erskine, he entered the Semin- 
ary at Due West, S. C, completed the course, and was 
licensed to preach. After preaching for a while to 
some churches in York Co., S. C, his health, which 
had become impaired in College, gave way, and he re- 
tired to the home of his mother, where he died March 
18th, 1867. 

Mr. Moffatt was married Oct. 18th, 1864, to Miss 
Jane Elizabeth Lathrop, who was born in New York 
State in 1837. She bore him two children, one of whom 
died in childhood, and the other is Rev. Josiah Mof- 
fatt, who lives in Florida. 

Mrs. Moffatt was a godly woman, of very strong 
character, and was a tower of strength in Union con- 
gregation. She afterwards contracted a second mar- 
riage to Mr. G. G. Nisbet in 1882, and died Feb. 27th, 
1902. 





t 



Moffatt, Rev. William 
Samuel. — Son of James S. 
and Martha Moffatt, was 
born in Greenville Co.,S.C. 
Eight years later his father 
settled in Obion Co., Tenn. 
He received his college 
education at Erskine Col- 



W. S. MOFFATT. 



< 



lege, graduating in 1854. 
He studied theology in the 
Seminary at Due West, S. 
C, and spent one year in 
the Seminary in Alle- 
gheny, Pa. He was mar- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



249 



ried to Miss Martha, daughter of Rev. John and Mrs. 
Eliza (Hemphill) Wilson, at Salem, Tipton Co.., Tenn., 
April 17, 1856. The Memphis Presbytery licensed him, 
April 25, 1857, and ordained him April 23, 1859. 

He labored in Tennessee and Arkansas under direc- 
tion of the Memphis Presbytery August 12, 1859. He 
organized Prosperity Church, in Fulton Co., Ark., and 
became its pastor the following December. This rela- 
tion continued until May 4, 1868. During the Civil 
War he endured many hardships, and was often exposed 
to dangers. His neighborhood was overrun by both 
armies. Being newly settled, the country afforded few 
comforts at best. The armies added to the hardships 
of the people by taking their horses, mules and provi- 
sions. More than once his house was ransacked, and 
his life was in danger from jayhawkers and bushwack- 
ers. At the close of the war he moved to west Tennes- 
see, where he supplied vacancies until 1867, when he 
returned to Arkansas. In 1868 he became S. S. of the 
congregations of Uniontown and McMahon's Creek. 
Ohio. He was installed their pastor April 19, 1869. 
He demitted the Uniontown branch of his charge in 
1881, and McMahon's Creek in 1883. At first he found 
many difficulties to be overcome in this field. Sharp 
division of political sentiment had caused partisan feel- 
ings to run high, and any man from the South was 
regarded with suspicion. His first effort was to over- 
come this bitterness and distrust. 

The gentleness and kindliness of his manner greatly 
assisted him. He soon won the confidence and friend- 
ship of the people, and his influence for peace and har- 
mony became a power in the community. With the A. 
R. Presbytery of Ohio, he went into the United Presby- 
terian Church in 188 1. He became pastor of the 
United Presbyterian Church of Centerview, Mo., in 
1883. He demitted this charge in 1888. Here his 
wife died August 13, 1887. In 1888, he returned 



250 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



to Arkansas and took up the work again as S. S. 
of Prosperity and New Hope. This work he 
kept up until 1891, and, at Prosperity as health per- 
mitted, until 1895. In June, 1888, he married Mrs. J. 
E. (Paden) Livingston of Wheeling, Ark. He died at 
Wheeling, Ark., Jan. 18, 1899. His first wife became 
the mother of three sons and two daughters. Of the 
sons James S. became a minister of the Gospel, and 
settled as pastor of the Church in Chester, S. C. John 
became a physician in Ohio, and Walter A. entered the 
legal profession in Leger, Okla. Of the daughters, 
Mary became the wife of Rev. J. T. Curry of the 
Nashville Conference of the M. E. Church South, and 
died in April, 1902, and Miss Anna a professor in 
Stuttgart College, Ark. 

Moffatt, Josiah Henry. — Rev. J. H. Moffatt is the 
son of Rev. Josiah Hemphill Moffatt and Jane Elizabeth 
Lathrop, and was born at Lewisville, Chester Co., S. C, 
April 1st, 1867. He graduated at Erskine College, in 
1887, an d was received as a student of theology by the 
First Presbytery, in the spring of 1890. 

His theological course was taken at Erskine Seminar} 
and he was licensed by the First Presbytery at Union 
Church in April, 1891. After preaching for some time 
m the Virginia and the Kentucky Presbyteries, he ac- 
cepted a call from New Lebanon, West Virginia, and 
was installed in the spring of 1893. In September, 
1895, owing to the fact that his views on some matters 
of religious doctrine were not in harmony with the 
standards of the A. R. P. Church, he resigned the charge 
of New Lebanon, and withdrew from the Presbytery, 
and has lived since then in the State of Florida. Mr. 
Moffatt has always been esteemed for his upright char- 
acter, and zeal for the cause of Christ. 

He was married Oct. 5th, 1887, at White Oak, S. C, 
to Miss Mary E. Brice. the daughter of Mr. W. W. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



251 



Brice and Hattie Vinson. She was born at White Oak, 
S. C, Oct. 9th, 1869. She and Mr. Moffatt have seven 
children. 



ogy, in 1852, and was taken under the care of the Ten- 
nessee Presbytery. 

He entered the Seminary at Due West, S. C, in the 
fall of 1853, and was licensed to preach by the Ten- 
nessee Presbytery at Bethel A. R. P. Church, and was 
ordained at Head Springs by the same Presbytery. He 
preached for six months in Franklin Co., Ala., and for 
two years in Decatur Co., Ind. His first pastorate was 
at Head Springs Church, Marshall Co., Tenn., the 
church which he joined when sixteen years of age and 
of which nearly all his kindred were members. He re- 
signed the pastorate of this church during the war and 
moved North. He accepted a call to the United Pres- 
byterian Church of West Union, 111., in 1864. He 
served this congregation for twenty years, during which 
time his influence was felt upon the entire community. 
He started an academy at Enfield, Ills., which grew 
into a college. For eight years he served the congre- 




A. 



MONTGOMERY. 



Montgomery, Andrew 
Spence. — Son of Robert 
and Esther Spence Mont- 
gomery, was born at New- 
berry, S. C, June 16, 1822. 
When he was seven years 
of age, the family emi- 
grated to Marshall Co., 
Tenn. He obtained the 
most of his literary edu- 
cation at Viney Grove 
Academy, in Lincoln Co., 
Tenn., under Dr. Henry 
Bryson, and under him he 
began the study of Theol- 



252 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



gations of Summerville and Eden, Ind. His last pas- 
torate was Springfield, Ills., from 1890 to 1894. 

He was married March 28, at Viney Grove, 

Tenn., to Lavina Grace Tate, daughter of Samuel and 
Mary Boyd Tate. She was born at Chester, S. C, 
Oct. 6, 1 82 1. Five children were born to her. She 
died at West Union, Ills., March 3, 1874. He was 
married a second time to Mary Malissa Taylor, daugh- 
ter of Henry and Catherine Sloan Taylor, at Fayette- 
ville, Tenn. She was born Feb. 28, 1832, in Lincoln 
Co., Tenn. His eldest son, S. Alonzo Montgomery, 
after graduating from the Indiana State University at 
Bloomington, Ind., became a professor in Institution. 
His youngest son, J. Knox Montgomery, is now the 
pastor of the First A. R. P. Church, Charlotte, N. C. 

Mr. Montgomery was a strong and original thinker, 
an earnest and effective preacher, and a most wise and 
judicious pastor. He was remarkable as a peace-maker 
and was often called upon to visit different congrega- 
tions in this capacity. He always preached without 
notes and kept fully in touch with the age. His heart 
never grew old and he had a great influence over young 
men. Many are in the ministry to-day because of his 
influence over their lives and thoughts. Through the 
larger part of his ministry was spent in the U. P. 
Church he never forgot his first love, and often referred 
to the fact that the first forty dollars he ever made as 
a minister he gave to Erskine College. 

He entered into rest June 20, 1900, being 78 years 
and one week old. He sleeps in the church yard at 
West Union, Ills., hard by the church in which he did 
his greatest work. 

Montgomery, John Knox. — Rev. J. Knox Montgom- 
ery was born in Belfast, Tenn., Aug. 4th, 1861, and is 
the son of Rev. A. S. Montgomery and Lavinia Grace 
Tate. When about a year old, the family moved north 



SKETCHES OE MINISTERS. 



253 




J. K. MONTGOMERY. 



and he was reared in the 
State of -Illinois. He grad- 
uated at the Indiana State 
University in 1884, and in 
September of « the same 
year was received as a 
student of theology by 
the Princeton Presbytery, 
of the United Presbyterian 
Church, at Summerville, 
Ind., pursued his studies 
at Xenia Theological Sem- 
inary, Xenia, Ohio, and 
was licensed by Princeton 
Presbytery, at Portland 
Mills, Ind., April, 1886. 



In April, 1887, ne was ordained by Chillecothe 
Presbytery, and installed over Unity, Ohio, where he 
remained until December, 1889. From January, 1890, 
until October, 1895, he was pastor at Sparta, Ills., go- 
ing from there to the First Church of Cincinnati, Ohio. 
Resigning this Church on account of ill health in 1899 
he came South, and was stated supply at the East 
Avenue A. R. P. Church, Charlotte, N. C, from July, 
1900, to July, 1 90 1. In September, 1901, he accepted 
a call to the Garfield Boulevard United Presbyterian 
Church, Chicago, Ills., and continued pa»stor there until 
July, 1902. Having received a call to the First A. R. 
P. Church at Charlotte, N. C, and not being able to 
stand the vigorous climate of Chicago, he connected 
with the First Presbytery of the A. R. P. Synod of the 
South, and took up the work in Charlotte in August, 
1902, and still continues pastor there. Mr. Montgom- 
ery was married at Unity, Ohio, Dec. 25th, 1888, to 
Miss Emma Letta Patton, the daughter of Nathaniel 
C. and Mary A. Patton. 

Mrs. Montgomery was born at Harshadville, Ohio, 



254 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Jan. 31st, 1862, and is the mother of five children. 
Mr. Montgomery has published a number of sermons 
and tracts, and has written a great deal for the press. 
Since 1899 he has edited the prayer meeting page in 
the "Christian Union Herald/' and for nine years has 
published the "Evangel" a congregational paper. He 
is a very popular speaker, and has often been called to 
address Presbyterial and national young people's con- 
ventions. He has also been a popular lecturer on Chau- 
tauqua platforms, and under the Inter- State Lecture 
Bureau. The Synod of Ohio in 1896 and the Synod of 
Illinois in 1900, elected him Synodical Evangelist, but 
he felt compelled to decline the position both times. 

In the year 1900, while resting because of ill health, 
he ran for Secretary of State on the Prohibition ticket 
in the State of Ohio, and more than doubled the vote 
of the party in that State. 

Moore, James Nathaniel. — A son of James Moore and 
Jane H. Craig, was born in 182 1,, in Dallas Co., Ala. 

His educational opportunities were fairly good and he 
graduated at Erskine College in 1846. About the year 
1838 he joined the Prosperity Ala., A. R. Church. Re- 
ceived as a student of theology about 1847 by the 
Second Presbytery in South Carolina, he studied at 
Erskine Theological Seminary and was licensed to 
preach by the Second Presbytery about 1849. His 
health having failed he preached only occasionally for 
a year or two, spending a year teaching school. After 
regaining in measure his health, he labored in Alabama 
and was instrumental in organizing a church at Sum- 
merfield, Ala., and erecting a neat church building. Also 
a church in Perry Co., known as Farrer's Church, and 
another named Fairview, above Marion, Ala. During 
this time he made several visits to Salem in Covington 
Co., Ala., preaching sometimes a month or more. In 
1854 he visited churches in Mississippi, Tennessee and 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



255 



Kentucky. In 1855 he was called to Monticello, Ark., 
and left Alabama the latter part of July for that place. 
Arriving at Memphis, he went by boat to Gaines' Land- 
ing on the Mississippi River. Being detained at this 
place he was there taken sick. Reaching Monticello he 
died in a few days, never having preached at that place. 
He was never married. 



his life were meagre, but when about 18 years old he 
manifested a desire for a college course, he was encour- 
aged by his father, and along with several other young 
men began the study of the classics under Rev. John 
Wilson. The sudden death of his father stopped this, 
but he did not abandon his purpose Two kind maiden 
aunts in South Carolina offered him a home and the 
means of going through college. He took a first stand 
in his class and graduated with distinction, in 1847, from 
Erskine College. Soon after he entered the Theological 
Seminary at Due West. 

He was licensed by the Second Presbytery at Head 
Springs, Laurens Co., S. C, and "was installed over 
Kings Creek and Thompson Street, Newberry Co., S. 




H. L. 



MURPHY. 



Murphy, Henry Leland. 
Was a son of William 
Murphy and Sarah Lang- 
ston, and was born in 
Due West, S. C, Septem- 
ber 9, 1823. When a child, 
his father removed to 
Laurense Co., Ala., and 
thence to Lincoln Co., 
fenn., and later to Tipton 
Co., Tenn., his boyhood 
being spent on the farm 
in the latter two counties. 
His chances of an educa- 
tion during this period of 



256 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



C, where he was preaching when the war broke out. v 
About two years he labored as a missionary, partly in 
the West. During this time he served as college agent, 
collecting funds to build Lindsay Hall. On the 9th of 
September, 185 1, he was happily married near Green- 
wood, S. C, to Miss Martha Ann Hearst, a daughter 
of John and Margaret Hearst, and born near Green- 
wdod, S. C, July 30, 1833. Five sons and six daughters 
were the fruit of this union. She died near old Bloom- 
ington, Term., March 14, 1903. For a year or more 
after his marriage Mr. Murphy taught school in Tipton, 
and also in Shelby Counties, Term., and did acceptable 
and successful work. After the war between the States 
he accepted a call to Bloomington and Richland 
churches, and continued as pastor of the latter for three 
years and of the former until his death. He died 
Sabbath morning-, November 24, 1878, in Tipton Co., 
Term., being a little more than 55 years of age. 

He was a ripe scholar, refined in taste, a forcible, 
attractive and impressive speaker. He was several 
times appointed by Synod a travelling agent of Ers- 
kine College. He was a very devoted husband, a kind 
father, and a pleasant, sociable companion in all the 
relations of life. 

He joined Salem A. R. P. Church in April, 1841, 
under the ministry of the Rev. John Wilson. 

Morris, Samuel Taplin. — Was a son of Samuel and 
Margaret McCollough Morris, and was born in bounds 
of Cedar Springs, S. C, April 14, 1821. He had good 
educational advantages, studying both at Due West, S. 
C, and Oxford, Ohio. He was a graduate of the latter 
institution, but it is not known whether in letters or in 
Theology. His father was an elder in Cedar Springs, 
noted as a peace maker, and died at 45 years old. His 
mother, a friend to the orphan and helpless, died at 90. 

Rev. Morris studied under Rev. John S. Pressly. He 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



257 



was a preacher and teacher, but his short life prevented 
his being much known. He died when only 27 years 
old. He was married in 1848, in Montgomery, Ala., 
to a daughter of Judge Graham of that city. He lived 
only 6 weeks after his marriage. 
He died Sept. 16, 1848. 

McNeal, John. — He was received as a student of The- 
ology by the Kentucky Presbytery at a meeting held in 
Shelby County, Aug. 19, 1843. He was directed to at- 
tend Erskine Theological Seminary, but it does not ap- 
pear that he did so. He seems to have studied under the 
direction of Rev. N. M. Gordon. His college education 
was secured in the Indiana University. He was licensed 
Oct. 15th, 1844, and labored for a short time in Tennes- 
see and Kentucky. May 30, 1845, certificate was given 
him, at his own request, to join the A. R. Presbytery 
of Indiana. 

Muse, Rev. Joseph Brainerd. — The subject of this 
sketch was born near Starkville, Miss., July 10th, 1848. 
His parents were Robert Muse and Jane McKell. His 
early educational advantages were good and in due time 
he entered Erskine College and graduated in class of 
1870. 

He entered Erskine Seminary, joining the Second 
Presbytery at a meeting at Due West, in the spring of 
1871. He was licensed by the Presbytery at Cannon 
Creek, Newberry Co., S. C, September 7th, 1872. 

His first labors were in Alabama. He was then as- 
signed to Tennessee to the churches of Blanche and 
Prosperity, and on Friday before the first Sabbath of 
November, 1874, was ordained and installed as pastor 
over these churches by the Tennessee Presbytery. Here 
he labored faithfully for about eight years, when he re- 
signed his charge — in 1882. Since that time he has 
lived at Verdery, S. C, in the bounds of the Second 
17 



^58 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Presbytery and has preached as opportunity offered, 
though largely devoting his time to farming for a 
livelihood. 

On September 25th, 1872, Mr. Muse was married to 
Miss Nina Estelle Devlin, daughter of James J. and 
Mary A. Devlin of Cedar Springs, Abbeville Co., S. C. 
The result of this union has been eight children, none 
have been lost by death. 

Mushat, John. — A native of Washington Co., N. Y., 
was graduaetd at Union College, Schenectady, 1807. His 
full course of divinity was taken under Dr. John Ander- 
son, in the Associate Seminary, Service, Pa., and the 
Cambridge granted him license Sept 20th, 1809. His 
services being much in demand, calls were made out. 
not only in his Presbytery, but from Shiloh, Neely's 
Creek and Big Spring, S. C and from Xew Stirling, 
Cambridge and Virgin Springs, N. C. Ordained by the 
Cambridge Presbytery Sept. 18th, 181 1, he soon after 
became pastor of the latter group of churches. His zeal 
and eloquence early promised great usefulness. 

His home was some three miles northwest of States- 
ville, in which town he conducted for a number of years 
a very successful High School. "John Mushat was 
famed in his day as an educator of youth." Chief 
Justice R. M. Pearson, Gov. W. A. Graham, and Dr. 
John Moore Harris, father of Airs. Rev. W. B. Presslv, 
were among his many pupils, often reaching 120. In 
October, 1822, finding it impracticable from his local 
situation to discharge the duties of pastor, he demitted 
this charge but continued to supply them till January, 
1825, when on account of indisposition suspended the 
exercise of his ministry. 

About 1827 his Presbytery began dealing with him 
for various violations of ministerial vows. In March, 
1830, he was suspended and in the following October 
deposed "because (1) of his connection with the Ma- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



259 



sonic Society, (2) of contempt of the judicatories of 
the Church, (3) of his desertion of the holy ministry, 
by neglecting its duties and engaging in the practice of 
law." 

Of influence he possessed much, of ability more. We 
draw a mantle of charity over a brilliant beginning 
marred by visions of property and power. 

Father Mushat after a ministry of about 16 years went 
West and died there we know not where. We trust 
he found that Saviour precious whom he preached so 
eloquently and earnestly in his younger days . 

Myers, James Alexander. — Son of John Graham 
Myers and Cynthia McCreary, was born in Mecklenburg 
Co.,, N. C, April 13, 1829. 

He was a very truthful lad, and his first teacher, 
Miss Nancy Ewart, was' wont to call him her "little 
preacher." His opportunities of securing an education 
were not good, but he attended the public schools of 
the times in his neighborhood, and having entered 
Erskine College was graduated from that institution in 
1857. He joined Gilead Church, Mecklenburg Co., N. 
C, in 1850, and having decided on the Gospel ministry 
was received as a student of theology in 1857 by the 
First Presbytery at Coddle Creek, N. C. He studied 
in Erskine Theological Seminary, Due West, S. C., and 
was licensed to preach, presumably by the Second Pres- 
bytery in 1859, at Kings or Cannon's Creek, Newberry 
Co., S. C, Rev. E. E. Pressly,D. D., officiating. He was 
ordained by the Second Presbytery in 1864, and Rev. 
R. C. Grier, D. D., was the officiating minister. He 
labored two years in Generostee, S. C, and connections, 
and one year in Georgia. Two years were spent in the 
army preaching, and on battlefield and in hospitals as 
assistant surgeon. In Indiana, Clarksburgh, two years, 
and the same length of time at New Hope, Ky., and 
other points. He was pastor for twelve years of Patter- 



260 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



son's Mills, Washington Co., Pa., and Point Pleasant, 
Hancock Co., W. Va., being installed in 1871. In 1897 
he was installed over Hopewell U. P. Church, Lincoln 
Co., Tenn., and continued for two years. Previous to 
this he had for several years served as supply of the A. 
R. churches of Prosperity, Blanche and Pisgah, Lincoln 
Co., and Head Springs, Marshall Co., Tenn. Mr. 
Myers is now and has been for a number of years in 
connection with the U. P. Church. 

He was married in 1858 in Abbeville Co., S. C, to 
Sarah Jane Morris, daughter of Samuel Morris and 
Margaret McCullough. She was born in Abbeville Co., 
S. C, in 1834, and died January 14, 1883. Ten chil- 
dren were born to them. He was married the second 
time to Miss Mollie Harper Allen, Feb. 13, 1893, at 
Malina, Tenn. She was born June 3, 1869. She is 
a daughter of George Riley Allen and Isabella Strong. 
She has borne him two children. 

Mr. Myers has given a good deal of attention to 
teaching vocal music since 1862. He has enjoyed the 
instruction of such teachers as George F. Root, Mus. 
Doc. of Chicago. He has taught classes in no less than 
eight States, and did efficient work. 

Neillj David Pressly. — Child of Thomas Pinckney and 
Martha Jane Neill, born at Walkersville, Union Co., N. 
C, May 28th, 1870 Working on the farm till nearly of 
age, he spent one year at Huntersville High School and 
passed to Erskine College in the fall of 1891, where he 
graduated in June, 1896. By hard study and close applica- 
tion, one theological year was included in this literary 
course. His course being finished in June, 1897, the 
First Presbytery licensing him April 6th preceding, he 
began work at Ebenezer, and Timber Ridge, Rockbridge 
Co.,, Ya., the first Sabbath of July following. The First 
Presbytery ordained him to the ministry Nov. 10, 1897, 
and the Virginia Presbytery installed him pastor over 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



261 



these congregations July 1, 1898. On the 14th of Sept., 
1898, he found a helpmeet indeed in Mrs. Theressa 
(Gibson) O'Brien, of Timber Ridge, Va. 

She is well fitted by nature and grace to cheer him 
in his hours of trial and nurse him in his times of 
suffering. He has met difficulties with a heroism that 
is worthy of example. When we consider the rigor of 
that climate in winter, the scattered condition of his 
churches ten miles apart and these appointments filled 
and this pastoral work done by a minister bent with 
rheumatism and aching with pain and all these obliga- 
tions met with as much punctuality as most strong 
preachers, this is the zeal of a Baxter. 

As a preacher he is evangelical presented in a rich 
drapery made more interesting by intense earnestness 
and a vivid imagination. 

As a pastor his work has been blessed, his congrega- 
tions have had a steady, healthy growth and one has 
completed a beautiful and commodious church. A 
firmness tempered with wisdom, a zeal according to 
knowledge, a will power far beyond the average, these 
crowned with consecration and laid at the Master's feet 
make him a servant that needeth not to be ashamed. 

Oates, James Leroy. — Rev. J. L. Oates is the son of 
James Blackwood Oates and Nancy Jane White, and 
was born in Gaston Co., N. C, April 8th, 1873. When 
he was seven years old, the family moved to York Co., 
S. C, and he was brought up in Neely's Creek congre- 
gation. He graduated at Erskine College in 1896. and 
was received as a student of theology by the First Pres- 
bytery, at Clover, S. C, Oct., 1895, prosecuted his stud- 
ies in Erskine Seminary, and was licensed by the same 
Presbytery, at Huntersville, N. C, April, 1897. 

He was ordained at Charlotte, N. C, June 23rd, 1897, 
and spent three months in preaching at Bartow, Fla. 



262 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



He was installed pastor of 
Unity and Gill's Creek, in 
Lancaster Co.,, S. C, Nov., 
1897, remaining there un- 
til Feb., 1900, when he ac- 
cepted calls from Hickory 
Grove and Smyrna, in 
York Co., S. C, and was 
installed March 13th, 1900. 
He still continues pastor of 
these churches. 

Mr. Oates was married, 
Jan. 19th, 1898, to Miss 
Lee Crockett, of Troy, 
Tenn., and they have two 
children. 

Mrs. Oates is the daughter of Mr. Harry Hill Croc- 
kett, and was born in Troy, Tenn., March 3rd, 1876. 

Oates, Rev. Monroe. — "Was born June 30, 1832, at the 
foot of Crowders Mountain, Gaston Co., N. C. 

His father, John Oates, was an elder in Pisgah. His 
preparation for college was made at Hickory Grove, S. 
C. He graduated from Erskine College in 1855. He 
studied theology at Due West, S. C, finishing the course 
in 1858. He received license from the First Presbytery 
Sept. 7, 1858. That year he visited Arkansas, and 
preached in Drew, Hemstead, Pope and Fulton Coun- 
ties. The next two years he supplied churches in Vir- 
ginia, principally New Lebanon, Monroe Co. Sept. 
6, i860, he was happily married to Miss Amanda S., 
daughter of Capt. J. F. Harper of Rockbridge Co., Va. 
From October, '60 to October, '61, he supplied Pleasant 
Grove Church, Decatur Co., Ga. Synod directed him 
to spend the next year in the First and Virginia Pres- 
byteries, but as he could not reach his appointments 
in Virginia on account of the war, he spent the year 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



263 



supplying Smyrna, S. C, and Knob Creek, N. C. The 
First Presbytery ordained him in 1862, and installed 
him pastor of Smyrna Nov. 5, 1863. In 1864 he en- 
tered the military service of S. C, but was honorably 
discharged after a few weeks. He demitted the pas- 
toral charge of Smyrna Sept. 3, 1867, and moved to 
Pope Co., Ark., in December, and was installed pastor 
of Pisgah, Monday, August 31, 1868. This relation 
continued until Jan. 1, 1900. This was a happy set- 
tlement and the church prospered, though it sustained 
heavy losses by the removal of its members to other 
fields. Mr. Oates took frequent and long trips on 
horseback to visit vacancies. For some years he paid 
a visit annually to Prosperity and New -Hope — a horse- 
back ride of several days through a mountainous coun- 
try. For about 20 years he visited Zion in Yell Co., 
30 miles away on 5th Sabbaths and at other times oc- 
casionally. For 28 years he was clerk of the Arkansas 
Presbytery, rarely ever missing a meeting. He was 
careful in writing and keeping the minutes. He was 
the delegate of the Synod to General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church in the United States at Little 
Rock, Ark., in 1873. During the year 1900 he felt that 
the end was near and was anxious to see the new pastor 
installed to succeed him. His desire was gratified. The 
installation took place Nov. 6, and he died the next 
morning, Nov. 7, 1900. 

Orr, William W., D. D.— Rev. William Orr, D. D., is 
the son of William W. Orr and Sarah Ann Rodgers, and 
was born in the bounds of Back Creek, in Mecklenburg 
Co., N. C, Sept. 7th, 1855. His father died before he 
was born, and his mother never married again. On the 
day of his birth, she dedicated him to the ministry, and 
consecrated her life to his training and education. Mrs. 
Orr was a godly woman of finest character, and God was 
pleased to spare her to see the child whom she had ded- 



264 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




icated to the ministry, am- 
bassador for Christ. She 
tarried only a little while 
after this, and then God 
took her to be with Him. 



W. W. ORR, D. D. 



Although Mrs. Orr was 
in very limited circum- 
stances, she kept her son 
in school almost constant- 
ly. At the age of four- 
teen she sent him to school 
at Sardis, N. C. While 
there, he boarded in the 
family of Rev. John Hun- 
ter, the pastor of Sardis, 



and he and his wife exerted a sacred and hallowed influ- 
ence over his life. 

After that he was sent to a High School at Coddle 
Creek, N. C, and while there he joined the Church 
under the pastorate of Rev. John E. Pressly, D. D. In 
the fall of 1872, his mother removed to Due West, S. C, 
where he entered the freshman class, and graduated in 

1876. He joined the First Presbytery at a called meet- 
ing held at Due West, S. C, during the meeting of the 
Synod of 1875, and the following year took the senior 
course in college, and the junior course in the Semin- 
ary. He completed his course in Erskine Seminary in 

1877. and was licensed by the First Presbytery in the 
old chapel in Charlotte, N. C, Sept. 7th, 1877. After 
supplying churches in North and South Carolina for 
several months, he was called to the church at Hunters- 
ville, N. C, and was ordained and installed Oct. 18th, 

1878. He continued pastor of this church for seven- 
teen years, demitting his charge in 1895. Mr. Orr 
spent a busy and useful life during these years, and 
built up a large and flourishing congregation, preaching 
at Huntersville every Sabbath, and also preaching at 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



265 



Mission points, at Mt. Mourne, nine miles away, and at 
Caldwell's, three miles away, each alternate Sabbath 
afternoon. 

He was abundant in labors, and had many seals to 
his ministry at home, and was in great demand for 
holding evangelistic meetings in the churches. In this 
work he had large success. 

In 1879 Mr. Orr organized the Huntersville High 
School. The school outgrew several buildings, and a 
large joint stock company was formed, and a large two 
story brick building was erected. For a number of 
years the school enrolled from one hundred and twenty 
to one hundred and seventy-five pupils, at least one 
half of them from various Southern States. The school 
had six teachers in the faculty. Mr. Orr taught in, 
and managed this school, for fourteen years. It was 
a constant feeder of the colleges. A great many young 
men were here prepared for college, who afterwards 
entered the ministry. Fourteen of these young men are 
now in the A. R. ministry and five are in the ministry 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

The Board of Home Missions was created by the 
Synod at Potts Station, Ark., in October, 1888, and at 
the organization of that Board Mr. Orr was made cor- 
responding secretary, which office he held for nine 
years, leaving it only when he took up the work in 
Corsicana, Texas. During these nine years he was 
not only the corresponding secretary of the Board, but 
also the evangelist, and in this work he held protracted 
meetings in all the churches of the Synod with four ex- 
ceptions. In these meetings he preached more than 
fifteen hundred times, and received more than twenty- 
five hundred people into the churches, and raised be- 
tween $8,000 and $9,000 for the Board of Home Mis- 
sions, and organized many churches. Owing to the 
pressing demands for evangelistic work he demitted the 
Huntersville charge in 1895, and the next two years 



266 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



were spent exclusively as the evangelist of the Board of 
Home Missions. 

In 1897 he asked to be assigned to the work in Cor- 
sicana, Texas. In January, 1898, he removed with his 
family to Corsicana, and took up the work of the Mis- 
sion at that place. He was sent by the Synod to can- 
vass for funds for a church building, and in this he was 
successful. A large and elegant building and a com- 
modious manse was also erected. During this pas- 
torate the church grew from forty-three members to 
one hundred and nine, and the contributions more than 
doubled. Having received a call to the East Avenue 
Tabernacle, Charlotte, N. C, he resigned his charge at 
Corsicana, and entered on the work at Charlotte, being 
installed Nov. 29th, 1901. In the fifteen months in 
which he has been pastor at East Avenue Tabernacle, there 
have been one hundred and forty-five accessions to that 
church, and over four hundred on the Sabbath School 
roll. 

At this writing he is still pastor of this church. 

Mr. Orr received the degree of A. M. from Erskine 
College, and the degree of D. D. from Westminster 
College, New Wilmington, Pa., in 1901. In addition 
to his work as pastor of East Avenue Tabernacle, he is 
one of the professors in Elizabeth College, Charlotte, 
N. C. 

Mr. Orr was married Jan. 16th, 1879. to Miss Lula 
May Hunter, the daughter of Robert B. Hunter and 
Rebecca W. Jones, of Huntersville, N. C. She was 
born April 4th, i860, and has borne her husband twelve 
children, seven of whom are still living. 

Dr. Orr is a preacher of marked ability, and a pastor 
who draws men to him and wins them to Christ. His 
work for God and the Church has been great, and most 
successful. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



267 




REV. G. G. PARKINSON. 



Parkinson, Rev. Gilbert 
Gordon. — Was born in 
Lincoln Co., Tenn., the 
son of James and Mary 
(Pinkertfon) Parkinson. 
His father was an elder 
in Prosperity. He was 
educated in Erskine Col- 
lege, spending one year in 
the Preparatory Depart- 
ment, and four years in 
the College Classes. He 
graduated in 1891. After 
teaching school two years 
at Troy, S. C, he entered 



Erskine Theological Seminary in Oct., 1893, and grad- 
uated in '95. The Second Presbytery licensed him 
April 13, 1895. That he might be better equipped for 
the work to which he had been assigned, the same Pres- 
bytery ordained him in the Divinity Hall, Oct. 28, 1895. 

By appointment of the Home Mission Board he took 
charge of the mission in Little Rock, Ark., July, 1895. 
In July, the following year, he opened a mission in 
Jacksonville, Ark., which he carried on in connection 
with the work in Little Rock, until November, 1900. 
At the meeting of Synod in 1900 he was elected Pro- 
fessor of Church History, Homiletics and Pastoral The- 
ology in Erskine Theological Seminary. He spent one 
year in special preparation in Princeton Theological 
Seminary, and entered the duties of his professorship 
in October, 1901. He was inaugurated Dec. 12, 1901. 

He is a diligent student, a scholar of attainments, 
and possesses a vigorous and acute intellect. 

Parkinson, Thomas W. — Son of Brown Parkinson 
and Mary Moore, was born in Fairfield Co., S. C, Sep- 
tember 3,, 1822, but was reared in Lincoln Co., Tenn. 



268 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



His father, a Scotchman, emigrated to this country in 
early times, and settled in the upper edge of Fairfield 
Co., and connected with Hopewell A. R. P. church, un- 
der the care of Rev. John Hemphill, D. D. Thence he 
removed to Lincoln Co., Tenn.,, and with his family 
formed a part of the nucleus out of which has grown the 
congregation of Prosperity. 

Thomas was one of 7 children and his educational 
opportunities were limited. He joined Prosperity A. 
R. P. Church early in life, began and completed his 
course of study at Yiney Grove Academy — the log col- 
lege of the Tennessee Presbytery — where also he taught 
for awhile. He had a strong, vigorous mind. "We 
believe it was admitted that he was one of the best lin- 
guists educated at Viney Grove, and probably one of 
the best in the Southern Synod." He spent one year 
in the Seminary at Due West, S. C, riding through 
on horseback, leaving his home on the long journey in 
October or November of 1846. Returning home, he 
completed his theological course under private instruc- 
tions. Was licensed by the Tennessee Presbytery at 
Head Springs, Marshall Co., Tenn., was ordained 
at Bethel, Lincoln Co., Tenn.. and settled as pastor 
over the united congregation of Bethel and Head 
Springs. A year previous to his death he gave up 
the Bethel branch of his charge in consequence of 
ill health. He was in ministry about eight years 
and for five was corresponding editor of the Due West 
Telescope. He died Sept. 6, 1857. 

He was married September 15, 1847, to Griscilda B. 
Sloan, a daughter of Samuel Sloan and Mattie Parkin- 
son. She was born in Chester Co., S. C, Sept. 22, 
1824. Two children were born to them — a son who 
died in 1892, and was Mrs. Hettie A. Moore, of Molina, 
Tennessee. 

As a preacher Mr. Parkinson was plain rather than 
showy — instructive rather than fascinating. He was a plain 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



269 



man and delighted to present the Gospel in its simpli- 
city. As a speaker he was earnest and impressive, as 
a theologian, thorough and accurate, a genuine lover 
of the old Divines ; as a writer, pointed and clear. 

In manner he was quiet and reserved. He was a 
good man — best loved by those who knew him best. 

Patrick, Rev. John. — Son of Charles and Isabella Pat- 
rick, was born in Union Co., S. C, Feb. 3, 1804. He 
was of "Irish parentage who were remarkable for their 
intelligence and piety." He was a farmer until nearly 
30 years of age, at which time he thought of becoming 
a minister. One day when between the handles of the 
plow,, the thought came into his mind, "Am I pursuing 
my proper calling — ought I not to preach the gospel?" 
He soon entered school, and began the study of Greek. 
After a course of four years, he graduated from Jeffer- 
son College, Canonsburgh, Pa. He pursued his studies 
in theology at the same place completing the course in 
1841. 

On account of his views on slavery he returned to the 
South and was licensed in 1841 by the Associate Pres- 
bytery of the Carolinas. He labored in connection 
with Dr. Horatio Thompson, to bring about a union of 
the Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas with the 
First Presbytery of the A. R. Synod of the South. 
This union was consummated April 15, 1844, the Synod 
having approved the basis of union at its meeting Oct. 
10, 1843. By this union Mr. Patrick became a member 
of the First Presbytery. He was never a settled pas- 
tor, but was diligent in labors. He itinerated among 
the vacant churches and missions fields of Virginia, 
east and middle Tennessee, the Carolinas, Georgia and 
Alabama, amid great hardship, self-denial, and expo- 
sure. In 1849 he reported that he had preached 47 
Sabbath and 13 week days, and received $51.54. Bal- 
ance due him $100; of which he donated $10.46 to 



270 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Domestic Missions. He made no charge for travelling 
expenses. He took an active part in discussing ques- 
tions brought before the courts of the Church. In 1849 
the Synod overtured to the Presbyteries in regard to 
a man marrying a sister of his deceased wife, the ques- 
tion : "Shall sessions be authorized to receive such 
persons into membership if, in their judgment, it be 
proper under particular circumstances?" The next 
year when it came before Synod Mr. Patrick took the 
lead in opposition to the overture. In the Synod of 
1853, by appointment of the year before, he read an 
essay on the "Principles of Church Fellowship." This 
essay was printed in pamphlet form. In it he defended 
the position that the privilege of communion should be 
restricted to those who subscribed to the subordinate 
standard of the Church. About the same time he 
published a pamphlet containing three discourses on 
baptism. After the adjournment of Synod at Salem, 
Tenn., in 1852, he visited Pope Co., Ark., where he 
preached three months. He organized Pisgah church 
Jan. 29th, 1853. He then returned to his work in the 
first Presbytery. He married his second cousin, Miss 
Mary E., daughter of John Patrick of Union Co., 
S. C, Feb. 3, 1854, his fiftieth birthday. During the 
summer of 1855 ne moved to Pope Co., Ark., and set- 
tled in the bounds of Pisgah congregation. He was 
stated supply of this Church until i860, also from May, 
1863, to December, 1867. After that date he was able 
to do very little preaching. He died Feb. 23, 1875, 
leaving five children. His wife had died some time 
before. 

Patterson, Alexander Lowry. — Alexander Lowry Pat- 
terson was the third son of Robert J. and Sarah E. Pat- 
terson. 

He was born on the 18th day of May, 1847, m Burke 
Co.,, Georgia. When about ten years old, his parents 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



271 




A. L. PATTERSON. 



moved to Jefferson Coun- 
ty,, Ga., near Ebenezer. He 
was reared on the farm. He 
entered the army quite 
young, and served a year 
in the war, in the com- 
mand of Wade Hamp- 
ton. He was severely 
wounded in a charge near 
Fayetteville, N. C. After 
the close of the war, being 
unable to work upon the 
farm, he was sent to the 
Academy at Louisville, 
Georgia, where he was 
prepared for college. On 



the 7th of Jan.,, 1869, he entered Ersk/ine College, and 
graduated June 28th, 187 1. Entered the Theological 
Seminary (at Due West) January, 1872. 

He was licensed by the Second Presbytery at Generos- 
tee, Anderson Co., S. C, Sept. 1873. During the years 
of 1874 and '75 he taught at Ebenezer, Jefferson Co., 
Georgia, and preached at the vacancies of "Pine H 11" 
and "Brier Creek." On the 2nd Sabbath of Decem- 
ber, 1875, he began preaching at "Lodimont" in the 
western part of Abbeville Co., S. C. 

A few members of the A. R. Church had been 
gathered into an organization, by Dr. Thompson Sloan, 
at this place. During the year 1876 a call for one half 
of his time was presented by the church at Lodimont 
(afterwards moved into the village of Mt. Carmel). 
This call was accepted, and at a call meeting of Presby- 
tery, he was ordained and installed. 

For twenty-seven years he has labored in this com- 
munity. Many and varied have been the difficulties of 
his field requiring much self-denial and effort. For 
many years he was the only minister in that section of 
the country. There were no schools and but one church 



272 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



within miles. Stills and whiskey wagons were plenti- 
ful. Surrounded by ignorance, infidelity and indiffer- 
entism, he taught school during the week and preached 
in church or school house on Sabbath. In 1893 he 
began preaching at Iva, a town in Anderson C, S. C, 
on the C. & W. C. R. R.. 

In the summer of 1894 he organized a church in that 
place, where he has labored in connection with Mt. 
Carmel. On the 3rd of September, 1874, A. L. Patter- 
son and Mary Alice Trimble, the daughter of James 
and Susan Lowry Trimble, were united in marriage. 
Seven children were born to this marriage, of whom 
five are living. On the 29th of December, 1901, Mrs. 
A. L. Patterson "fell on sleep." He is still living, and 
laboring at the same place — Mt. Carmel, S. C. 

Patterson, Edwin Erskine. — Born in Burke Co., Ga., 
Sept. 8th, 1853; was graduated at Erskine College, 
1877. His divinity course was taken at Erskine Theol- 
ogical Seminary, and the Second Associate Reformed 
Presbytery granted him license April 8th, 1882. He 
was sent very soon to the Texas Presbytery, and there, 
Dec, 1883, ordained. His stated labors began at Chicota, 
Lamar Co., Texas, 1886. In 1888, he was installed pas- 
tor, and resigned in 1896. He did a good work, both 
in building up this congregation and in founding and 
maintaining the Chicota High School. Early in the 
summer of 1896, he became stated supply of New Leb- 
anon, West Va., and continued till Dec. 15th, 1897, when 
his connection was transferred to the Southern Presbyte- 
rian church. 

Patterson, Robert Emette. — Was born May 6th, 1850, 
in Burke Co., Ga. His father's name was Robert Jack- 
son Patterson, and his mother's maiden name Sarah E. 
Lowry. He had good educational opportunities, attend- 
ing the Louisville (Ga.) Academy, and graduating from 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



273 




Erskine College in 1875. 
He joined the church at 



Bethel, Ga., in 1867. He 



R. E. PATTERSON. 



was received as a student 
of Theology in 1876, by the 
Second Presbytery. He 
studied Theology at the 
Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary, and was licensed 
by the Second Presbytery 
in 1878. He was ordained 
by the same Presbytery 
the same year, and went 
immediately to Texas, 
where the first five years 



of his life were spent in missionary work, often making 
long trips three and four hundred miles on horseback. 
He endured many hardshps. Most of this time he made 
his home in Lovelady, Houston Co., where he was instru- 
mental in building a church. He was installed pastor of 
this church in April, 1884. He continued, however, to 
make long missionary tours, and was often absent from 
home for long periods. On account of his wife's health, 
he demitted this church and returned to Georgia in Nov- 
ember, 1886. A large part of 1887 he labored in Arkansas. 
But again on account of his wife's failing health he re- 
turned to Georgia. He was installed pastor of the 
Doraville church in 1888, and labored there and 
among the vacant churches of that vicinity for ten 
years. He demitted this charge in November, 1897. 
Soon afterward he was stricken with typhoid fever and 
died Sept. 26th, 1899. 

Nov. 13th, 1883, he was married to Miss Sophronia 
Boyd, a daughter of Hon. Robert Boyd. Her mother's 
maiden name was Miss Ruth Patterson. Mrs. Patter- 
son was born in Jefferson Co., May, 1854. They had 
seven children. She is still living at Doraville, Ga. 



18 



274 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




r 



Patterson, Samuel Jas- 
per. — Rev. Samuel J. Pat- 
terson is the son of Wil- 
liam Jasper Patterson and 
Elizabeth Foster, and was 
born in the bounds of Eb- 
enezer congregation, Union 
Co,, Miss., Jan. 2nd, 1875. 
His father died when he 
was three years old, and 
his mother when he was 
four. 



S. J. PATTERSON. 



His educational advan- 
tages in his youth were 
limited to a few terms in 



the public schools. He determined, however, to have an 
education, and was prepared for college at the Robinson 
High School in Tipton Co., Tenn., and graduated at Er- 
skine College, in June, 1897. He was received as a stu- 
dent of theology by the Memphis Presbytery, at a called 
meeting at Due West, S. C, Oct. 26th, 1895, and gradu- 
ated from Erskine Seminary in June, 1898, being li- 
censed by the Memphis Presbytery at Ebenezer, Miss., 
August 22nd, 1896. He was ordained by the same Pres- 
bytery, at Richland, Tenn.,, Oct. 29th, 1898. 

Having accepted a call to Steele Creek, Mecklenburg 
Co., N. C, he was installed Nov. 19th, 1898, and re- 
mained until Feb. 10th, 1902, when he resigned to ac- 
cept the appointment of the Board of Home Missions 
to the mission at Memphis, Tenn. Here he remained 
until November, 1902, when, on account of his health, 
he had to give up the work in Memphis. He was re- 
called to his old charge at Steele Creek, and was rein- 
stalled Dec. 12th, 1902, and still continues pastor there. 

Mr. Patterson married Miss Margaret Lily Davis 
Jan. 19th, 1899. She is the daughter of Robert C. G. 
Davis and Mary Allie Coleman, and was born near 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



275 



Nelson, Drew Co., Ark., Jan. 4th, 1877. Two children 
have been born to them. 

Patterson, Rev. William Little. — Was born in Jeffer- 
son Co., Ga., March 7, 1846. His father, Robert J. Pat- 
terson, was an elder in Ebenezer. His mother, Sarah 
E., was a daughter of Rev. Joseph Lowry. His early 
education was received from his uncle, William S. Low- 
ry, in Louisville, Ga. During the civil" war, he did faith- 
ful service for more than a year as a member of Cobb's 
Legion in Hampton's Cavalry. He spent three years in 
Erskine College, graduating in 1871. He graduated 
from Erskine Theological Seminary in 1873, and was li- 
censed by the Second Presbytery at Generostee, S. C, 
Sept. 6, 1873, and ordained by the same Presbytery in 
Dec, 1874. In 1873 the Synod directed him to "labor as 
a missionary in the State of Texas for the year." 

He entered this field Jan. 13, 1874. This was the 
beginning of Synod's work in Texas. Rev. T. J. Bon- 
ner's work had not been directed by Synod. Mr. Pat- 
terson's first year was spent mostly in exploring 
the field. He visited every location in the State that 
seemed to offer an opening for the Associate Reformed 
Church, some times spending several months at the 
most inviting places. He travelled on horseback. The 
next year he concentrated his labors at Richland in 
Navarro Co. Here, in connection with Harmony and 
other points in Freestone Co., he labored for about six 
years. But he was frequently called to visit other sec- 
tions, and plant churches. 

In 1880 he was sent by Synod to Arkansas, where 
he spent four years supplying Zion and Ebenezer. He 
spent a few months in 1881 supplying Prosperity and 
New Hope. He married Miss Nannie R. Boyd in 
Lincoln Co., Ark., Dec. 21, 1882, a daughter of A. J. 
and Mary (Sterling) Boyd, and a native of Chester 
Co., S. C. She became afflicted with rheumatism in a 



276 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



few years, and was a cripple until her death, which oc- 
curred Dec. 1, 1897. He was called to the pastorate 
of Harmony and Richland, Texas, and was installed in 
1885. His eyes failed, causing great suffering. For 
this cause he resigned his charge in 1897. In Decem- 
ber, 1 90 1, he married Mrs. Susan Little, the widow of 
Rev. J. M. Little. 

Few ministers have ever served the A. R. Church 
in her service more faithfully and loyally, and endured 
more hardships in her service than Rev. W. L. 
Patterson. 



Patton left a family of nine children, four daughters and 
five sons. 

The subject of this sketch entered the Preparatory 
department in Erskine College in his fourteenth year, 
and after some five or six years in that institution, en- 
tered the junior class in the South Carolina College, 
making his degree, in 1846, with the highest distinction. 
Of this class, Thomas B. Jeter, afterwards governor of 
South Carolina, and Henry Mclver, at present Chief 
Justice of the Supreme Court, were both members, and 




E. L. PATTON. 




Patton, Edmund Lewis, 
L. L. D. — Edmund Lewis 
Patton was born in Abbe- 
ville District, South Caro- 
lina, on the 15th of Feb- 
ruary, 1827. His father 
was William Patton., a 
successful planter and 
merchant, who was robbed 
and murdered in Tennes- 
see, in 1833, by a man 
who had travelled with 
him some three or four 
days before committing 
this terrible crime. Mr. 



\ 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 277 

others who have made an honorable record in the his- 
tory of the State. After leaving his Alma Mater, Dr. 
Patton spent some months in Yale College in the study 
of the modern languages ; principally Italian and 
French. In 1854 he was elected Professor of Ancient 
Languages in Erskine College, and entered upon the 
discharge of his duties in the following )>ear. In 1859, 
he was elected President of the same Institution ; but 
only two classes completed the prescribed course during 
his administration, the exercises of the College having 
been suspended in consequence of the Civil War. In 
1869, he was elected President of West Tennessee 
College, Jackson, Tenn., which position he occupied 
some eight years, when he returned to Erskine College 
as Professor of Greek and Hebrew in the Theological 
Seminary, and of the Greek Language and Literature 
in the Institution with which he was formerly con- 
nected. This position he held in College and Seminary 
until 1882 when he was elected Professor of Ancient 
Languages in his Alma Mater, the South Carolina 
College, with which he was connected sixteen years, 
retiring in 1898. He has been spending his time, since 
his retirement, at Baltimore, Indian Head, and Washing- 
ton, with his sons, W. E. Patton and J. B. Patton. 

Of five sons, only these two survive. Henry Cow- 
per Patton, his second son, was a member of the legal 
profession, and well known throughout the State as a 
young man of more than ordinary talent. 

Dr. Patton's whole life has been devoted to teaching. 
He was licensed, and subsequently ordained, by the 
Second Presbytery of the A. R. Presbyterian Church, 
soon after his connection with Erskine College as Pro- 
fessor of the Latin Language and Literature ; but his 
work in the pulpit has not been regular, but only oc- 
casional, as opportunity offered from time to time. In 
early life, (at the age of fourteen), he connected him- 
self with the church of Cedar Spring and Long Cane, 



2 7 8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



of which Rev. Dr. Hemphill was pastor at that time; 
whose "name is an ointment poured forth." 

In 1859 he married Miss Mary Bryson, daughter of 
Dr. Henry Bryson, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, so long 
and favorably known in the Associate Reformed Pres- 
byterian Church. Her mother's maiden name was 
Hannah McMullen, sister of Dr. R. B. McMullen, a 
distinguished minister in the Southern Presbyterian 
Church. Mrs. Patton was born in Lincoln County, Ten- 
nessee, on the 2 1st of March, 1834. The parents of Dr. 
Patton and wife, on both sides of the family, were of 
Scotch-Irish extraction. 

Dr. Patton is very fond of reading, and has been 
a student all his life, but has prepared nothing for the 
press — at least, nothing of a permanent character. He 
is now well advanced in his seventh decade. Of his 
father's family, consisting of nine, only two survive, 
Dr. Patton and Mrs. K. P. Kennedy. 

Patton, William Washington— -Born near Cedar 
Spring, Abbeville Co., S. C, Feb. 23,, 1824, was a son 
of William Patton and Jane Kennedy. 

The educational opportunities of his times were limited 
and after a few years in the common schools of the 
neighborhood, he was sent to the Academy at Due West, 
S. C, then presided over by the Rev. J. S. Pressly. Here 
he was prepared for college, and in the fall of 1838, at 
the age of 14 years, he, in company with his brother 
Frank, and two other young friends, went to Oxford, 
Ohio, and graduated from Miami University, in 1842, 
with the highest honors of his class. 

At the time he entered college, Dr. Bishop was Pres- 
ident, but was succeeded in 1841 by Dr. Junkin, who 
was President when he graduated in 1842, in a class of 
40 or 50. About half way of the course in 1841, in a 
great revival meeting conducted by Dr. Lyman 
Beecher. he became a convert, and ever after was 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



"dead unto sin but alive to God" through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. 

The fall after his graduation he entered the Theo- 
logical Seminary at Due West, S. C, and was licensed 
to preach the Gospel at Cedar Springs, S. C., at the 
spring meeting of the Second Presbytery in 1844. He 
led a very busy life, preaching in North and South 
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and 
Kentucky. He was ordained in 1846, and soon after 
his ordination was ordered by Synod to go to Texas in 
company with Rev. J. M. Young, for the purpose of ex- 
ploring that country and establishing mission stations. 

In 1848 he went to New York, where he spent the 
greater part of the winter and spring of 1849 m preach- 
ing and study. Being desirous of securing a settle- 
ment in the West, he was sent by the Northern Branch 
of the A. R. Church to St. Louis in the summer of 
1849. At that time the cholera was devastating the 
city, and he was urged by relatives and friends to leave 
for a place of safety. But in a letter just before his 
death he replied that he could not leave his charge 
when they were sick and dying all around him and 
more than at any other time needed the consolation of the 
Gospel. He said the Roman Catholic Priests were ev- 
erywhere ministering to the sick and the dying, and 
surely a minister of the Gospel could not be less faith- 
ful. Like the Roman Sentinel he remained faithful to 
his post until he was cut down by the terrible scourge, 
cholera, on the 6th of July, 1849, aged 25 years and a 
few months. 

He was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery of that 
city and there he will sleep until the day break and the 
shadows shall flee away. 

Plaxco, Rev. W. A. M. — The subject of this sketch 
is a native of York County, having had his birth in the 
Bethany congregation, November 10th, 1856. He was 



28o 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



the son of pious parents, 
and was reared under care- 
ful religious training. His 
father was W. S. Plaxco, 
an elder for many years in 
Bethany, and his mother 
was Margaret M. Gallo- 
way. Bro. Plaxco was 
educated in the country 
schools of the community, 
and was sent to prepare 
for college to King's Mt., 
N. C. He entered Erskine 
in 1878, and graduated in 

W. A. M. PLAXCO. ' & 

the class of 81. 

In the fall of that year he entered the Seminary, hav- 
ing previously joined the First Presbytery at a meet- 
ing held at Shiloh, Lancaster Co., S. C. He was li- 
censed at Charlotte, N. C, in the spring of 1883, spent 
some time after the completion of his course in supply- 
ing Hinkston and Olivet in Kentucky, during the ill- 
ness of their pastor, Rev. D. B. Pressly. He received 
a call to Shiloh, S. C, and was settled over that con- 
gregation in October, 1884. 

He served this church faithfully for seven years, 
teaching school also part of the time to supplement his 
salary. 

From Shiloh he went to Ebenezer, Va., and was 
stated supply there for eighteen months ; he then spent 
some time in Arkansas, and also labored one year at 
New Hope, Ky., one year at Sharon, S. C, and re- 
turned to New Hope for two years. He then served 
the churches in Laurens Co., living at Ora, and preach- 
ing there in connection with Providence and Head 
Spring. He finally settled at Clinton, over Providence 
and Head Spring as pastor in 1900. From this brief 
account of Bro. Plaxco's labors it will be seen that he 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



has endured hardness. He has traveled over many 
States to reach his fields of work, has supplied weak 
congregations and received only a meager salary. He 
has not hesitated at much sacrifice to go wherever the 
Synod sent him or God in His providence called him. 
Few ministers in our church have made greater self 
denial to do what seemed to be the will of God. 

Bro. Plaxco married in 1883, Miss Mary Elizabeth 
Whitesides, of Smyrna, S. C. Eight children are the 
fruit of this marriage, all living. 

Peoples, James Harvey. — Son of Richard Peoples and 
Jane Harris, was born Nov. 22, 1834, at Hemphill's 
Store, on McAlpine's Creek, in Providence Beat, 11 
miles south of Charlotte, Mecklenburgh Co., N. C. His 
childhood was without any incident of special note. He 
first attended the common schools of that vicinity; later 
began classical studies with Rev. John Hunter, in Stony 
Creek, near Back Creek, N. C. He completed his pre- 
paratory course at Providence Academy, Mecklenburgh, 
N. C, and then entered Erskine College, from which he 
graduated in the summer of 1856. He joined the church 
at Sardis, probably in the early 50's. 

He was received as a student of Theology in the fall 
of '58 or spring of '59, by the First Presbytery at Am- 
ity, N. C, where he delivered his first trial. His Theo- 
logical studies were at first in private with Rev. John 
Hunter, near Sardis, but later in the Seminary at Due 
West, S. C. He was licensed in the spring of i860, 
probably at New Hope, S. C, by First Presbytery. He 
was ordained at Hopewell, Maury County, Tenn., by 
Revs. A. S. Sloan and Andrew McElroy, of the Ten- 
nesse Presbytery. He first preached the fall and 
winter in Nashville, Tenn., from 1861 to 1865 in Con- 
federate camps in North Carolina and Virginia, and 
also at Gills Creek and other vacancies of the First 
Presbytery. He supplied New Lebanon, W. Ya., the 



282 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



summer of 1866, came to Hopewell, Maury Co., Term., 
in October of that year, was called to the pastorate of 
that church in the fall and installed in the spring of 
1867. This pastorate continued for many years. He 
is now supplying them with an occasional) appoint- 
ment, from his home in Columbia, Tenn. 

He was married at New Hope, S. C, April 24, 1862, 
to Miss Margaret Simonton Douglass. She was a 
daughter of Alexander and Jeannette Simonton Doug- 
lass, and was born in Fairfield Co., S. C, Nov. 24, 1836. 
She has borne nine children, all living but one. The 
ancestry of both families were good and worthy people. 
His two oldest sons are capable and efficient educators 
at the head of training schools, one at Bells and the 
other at Fayetteville, Tenn. 

Phillips, David Gardiner. — Was born in Louisville, 
Ga., April 12th, 1865. Flis parents were David G. Phillips 
and Miss Eliza W. A. Little. In his youth he had good 
educational opportunities. He graduated from Erskine 
College in 1887. He joined the church at Ebenezer, Ga., 
in 1880. He was received as a student of Theology in 
1888, by the Second Presbytery at Cannon Creek church, 
Newberry Co., S. C. He studied Theology at Due West 
and Princeton. He was licensed April 12th, 1889, by the 
Second Presbytery, at Ebenezer, Ga. 

He was ordained by the same Presbytery April 10th, 
1890. His first work was done in Kentucky Presby- 
tery in 1889. In 1890 he served the church at Bartow, 
Fla. In 1891 he went to Prosperity, S. C. In a short 
time he returned to Bartow, Fla. He labored there 
from 1892 until 1896. He was then called to Cedar 
Spring and Bradley, S. C. He was their pastor from 
1897 to 1 90 1. From there he was called to the Atlanta 
Church, and is still their efficient pastor. He was 
called as pastor 

By Prosperity, S. C., June, 1891. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



283 



By Bartow, Fla., Nov., 1892. 

Cedar Spring and Bradley, S. C, Sept., 1896. 

Atlanta, Ga., 1901. 

He was installed as pastor at 

Prosperity, S. C, June, 1891. 

Bartow, Fla., Nov., 1892. 

Bradley and Cedar Spring, Jan., 1897. 

Atlanta, March, 1902. 

He was married April 15, 1891, at Due West, S. C, 
to Miss Janie Wideman. Her parents were Dr. J. W. 
and Mrs. E. Wideman. She was born May 3rd, 1869, 
in Abbeville Co., S. C. They have six children. 



lege, and divided first honor with H. T. Sloan. He 
joined the church in 1824, when seven years old. He 
was received as a student of Theology by the Second 
Presbytery, and studied Theology at Due West. He 
was licensed by Second Presbytery, at Concord, in An- 
derson Co., S. C. He was ordained in May, 185 1, at Eb- 
enezer, Georgia, by a commission from the Second 
Presbytery. 

His first work was done in Jefferson and Burke Coun- 




D. G. PHILLIPS, D. D. 




I 



Phillips, David Gardi- 
ner, D. D. — Was born, 
February 1st, 181 7, at the 
Rocks, near Salisbury, 
Rowan Co., N. C. His pa- 
rents were Enoch and 
Francis Phillips. His 
father died while he was 
quite young, and he had to 
educate himself; his moth- 
er was able to teach him 
some at home. He at- 
tended school only a short 
time. He graduated in 
1846, from Erskine Col- 



284 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



ties, Ga., where he served as stated supply at Ebenezer, 
Bethel, Pine Hill and Louisville. In 1851 he was called 
and installed pastor of these churches and continued as 
such until 1892. In 1875 he demitted Louisville and 
Bethel. He received calls from churches in Atlanta, 
Nashville and other cities but refused them all. April 
12th, 1849, ne married Mary Isabella Hearst, daughter 
of John and Margaret Hearst. She was born in Abbe- 
ville County, S. C, May 4th, 1824. She died February 
28th, 1 85 1. She left one son, John Hearst, who died 
March 15th, 1851. 

Rev. D. G. Phillips afterward married Miss Julia E. 
W. A. Little, March 24th, 1853. She was a daughter of 
Wm. and Nancy Little and was born in Jefferson Co., 
Ga., April 7th, 1835, and died Nov. 2nd, 1883. They had 
four sons and four daughters, all living and all married 
except one son. In 1868 Dr. Phillips published a 
pamphlet entitled "Nachash," or "Who and What is the 
Negro." It attracted much attention at the time. He 
died August 22nd, 1899, at the home of his son, Hon. 
W. L. Phillips, in Louisville, Ga. He was a man of ex- 
cellent spirit. A preacher of great power, he wielded 
a great influence for good. His preaching was charac- 
terized by great analytical and logical power. Few men 
have surpassed him as a reasoning and a close and cogent 
thinker. He had a remarkable memory and much of 
what was best in the writings of Byron, Young, Shakes- 
peare and Milton was at his command, and enriched his 
writings and sermons. He was often thrillingly elo- 
quent. He was a profound theologian. 

Porter, Rev. Alexander. — Of the original four mem- 
bers who organized the Second Presbytery of the Caro- 
linas, viz. : Peter McMullan, Wm. Dixon, Alexander 
Porter and David Bothwell, on the 8th of April, 1801. 
Mr. Porter was the youngest member. He was born and 
reared in Abbeville district, S. C, just west of Parson's 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



285 



Mountain. He was the first native born member of the 
Second Presbytery, and among the first of the Synod. 
Most of the other members were natives of Scotland or 
England. 

Having received his primary education at home, he 
repaired to Dickenson College, Pennsylvania, and here 
received his literary and theological training under the 
venerable Dr. Nisbet, the president of the college. He 
was licensed by the Associate Reformed Presbytery of 
the Carolinas and Georgia and settled in his home church 
as pastor, succeeding Dr. Thomas Clark. 

At Cedar Springs church, April 2nd, 1798, he was or- 
dained and installed pastor of that congregation in con- 
nection with Long Cane's. Rev. John Hemphill deliv- 
ered the charge, both to pastor and people. This was the 
oldest and largest pastoral church in the presbytery. He 
continued here as pastor until the latter part of 1803, 
when he was released on account of feeble health and the 
uncommon largeness of his charge. Three months after 
the dissolution of their pastoral relation, Cedar Springs 
called him for the whole time. He continued to serve 
here as pastor until 181 3 when he moved to Preble 
County, Ohio, being dismissed to the Presbytery of Ken- 
tucky, which at that time embraced a part of the State 
of Ohio. A colony went with him from his own church 
and other churches in the South. 

They organized one of the first congregations of the 
Associate Reformed Church in Ohio. Mr. Porter made 
the change of his location on account of his health. This 
seems to have been much improved, for he was most 
abundant in his labors and continued to exercise his min- 
istry for twenty years longer. 

He died in 1835. Dr. Burns says of Mr. Porter that 
he was an excellent preacher and an unrivalled pastor. 
He quotes from those who knew him, "His sermons were 
artless in style, simple in their arrangement, yet personal 
in their aim, searching in their delineations and forcible 



286 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



in their conclusions. They were always delivered with 
a native simplicity and a total disregard of all rule, that 
was attractive in the highest degree." Dr. John M. 
Mason testified to his godly character. "Mr. Porter," 
he said, "is a holy man." Dr. McDill, who knew him 
well, sets forth this excellent trait of his character, "When 
God's truth was involved, no man was more inflexible, 
unrelenting and uncompromising than Mr. Porter; cus- 
toms he did not like to change, and was slow to change; 
but for the sake of a custom, he would never make an 
uproar in the church, as long as it was not imposed on 
him by some odious stretch of authority." 

Mr. Porter is described as a man well versed in Scrip- 
ture, a great Bible student, of much faith and prayer. He 
was of eminent ability as a theologian and nine of the 
early ministers of our church studied under his direc- 
tion. He took an active part in Synod in staying the 
disruption threatened in the case of Mason, Matthews 
and Clark. "He died in the triumphs of faith, 
talking on his dying couch of death as of a familiar 
friend, and rejoicing in hope of a glorious immortality 
at God's right hand." He left one son in the ministry 
to go forth to the help of the Lord against the mighty, 
one a physician, and three daughters. 

Pressly Bonner Grier. — Rev. B. G. Pressly is the son 
of Rev. N. E. Pressly, D. D„ and Rachel Elliott, and 
was born in Tampico, Mex., March 5th, 1880. When but 
a boy, he was sent to the United States to be educated 
and was prepared for college at Mt. Zion Institute, at 
Winnsboro, S. C., and graduated at Erskine College, 
June, 1900. After spending two years in teaching at 
Leslie, S. C, he entered the Seminary at Due West, in 
Sept., 1902, where he is now prosecuting his studies. 
He was received as a student of theology by the First 
Presbytery, at Charlotte, N. C, in 1903. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



287 



Pressly, Rev. Calvin. — Born at Starkville, Miss., March 
19, 1847, was the oldest son of Rev. David Pressly, D. 
D. His mother was a daughter of James Fair, of Abbe- 
ville Co., S. C. In i860, he professed religion in his 
father's church. During the civil war he served with 
distinction in Gen. N. B. Forrest's famous cavalry. His 
educational advantages were good, — in a classical school 
in Starkville, Miss., and in Erskine college, where he 
graduated in 1869. In Oct. of the same year he was re- 
ceived as a student of theology, and entered Erskine The- 
ological Seminary. He completed the course in 1871, 
and was licensed by the Second Presbytery, at King's 
Creek, S. C, Aug. 11,, 1871. 

The following year he preached in western Kentucky 
and at Shiloh, Miss. The Memphis Presbytery ordained 
him at Starkville, Miss., Aug. 31, 1872, and a few months 
later installed him pastor of Shiloh. This relation con- 
tinued until 1878. On account of feeble health, he was 
laid aside from regular ministerial work for six years. 
In Oct., 1884, he was installed pastor of Generostee, 
Concord, and Grove, S. C. He demitted this charge in 
1894, and began work in Milam Co., Texas, Jan. 2, '95. 
He was pastor of Marlow, Texas, from the spring of 
1897 t0 Dec. 1, 1902. 

He married, July 21, 1869, Miss N. Ellen, only daugh- 
ter of Rev. J. P. and Mrs. Mary E. Pressly, Due West, 
S. C. She is a graduate of the Due West Female College 
in the class of 1863. Eight children were born to them. 

Pressly, Ebenezer Erskine, D. D. — In the lower part 
of Abbeville district, on December 23rd, 1808, Dr. Eben- 
ezer Pressly was born. He was the youngest son of Wil- 
liam and Elizabeth Hearst Pressly, both of whom were 
remarkable alike for their intelligence and piety. His 
father was one of the leading members of Cedar Springs 
congregation; an elder for many years, a man of strong 
mind, well cultivated, with a heart devoted to the cause 
of Christ. 



288 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



The mother of Dr. Pressly was a fit helpmeet for the 
father. Kind, affectionate and devotedly pious, she ex- 
erted a hallowed influence upon all about her. But a 
mysterious Providence called the father home, while the 
future Doctor was yet in his infancy. The same hand, 
however, that had removed the father raised up an uncle 
to take his place. Mr. William Hearst, discovering 
signs of promise in the boy took him under his care and 
provided for his education. He attended the common 
schools and was afterwards placed in Union Academy, 
Abbeville Co., S. C, over which Dr. Jno. T. Pressly was 
placed as Superintendent. This was a school of high 
grade for that day and had as teachers such scholars 
as Samuel P. Pressly and John S. Pressly. Among Dr. 
Pressly's classmates were men who became prominent in 
their respective callings. 

At the age of sixteen, Dr. Pressly, in company with 
his cousin, Dr. James P. Pressly, went to Lexington, Ky., 
expecting there to enter Transylvania University, but 
finding Dr. Bishop leaving to take charge of Miami Uni- 
versity, they went with him and entered the junior class. 
After a course of two years he graduated in 1826. He 
spent one session in post graduate study and in the spring 
of 1827 returned and connected with the Second Presby- 
tery at Bethel, Jefferson Co., Ga. He studied theology 
under Dr. Jno. T. Pressly. 

He was licensed to preach at Due West on the 21st of 
February, 1829, not being yet 21 years old. He spent 
sometime in preaching in the districts of Abbeville, An- 
derson and Laurens, and in a missionary tour through 
Georgia, Florida and Alabama. In his journeys he en- 
dured many hardships, the country was, much of it, a 
wilderness, the settlements new and the hunting ground 
of the savage. Alone he traversed these three new States 
hunting the dispersed of the Associate Reformed Church. 
Such heroism puts the 20th century preacher to shame. 
In the spring of 1830 he received a call from the congre- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



289 



gations of Generostee and Due West, and was installed 
over these churches at Due West, on the 7th of August. 
For seven years he served as pastor for both congrega- 
tions, though distant from each other twenty-five miles. 
At the expiration of seven years, the congregations hav- 
ing increased, Generostee was demitted, but he con- 
tinued at Due West as pastor for thirty years. In 1872 
he was chosen professor of theology, and was the princi- 
pal teacher for fifteen years. The Associate Reformed 
Church felt keenly the scarcity of ministers in the Second 
Presbytery. Rev. Joseph Lowry and Dr. Pressly were 
often the only members present. The idea of a denomin- 
ational high school in which young men could be trained 
for college and the ministry was broached, and Dr. 
Pressly was largely instrumental in its establishment. 
Dr. Pressly took charge of it in 1839. During the next 
year two other professors were associated with him and 
thus Erskine College had her beginning. With some 
propriety then, Dr. Pressly can be called the father of 
Erskine College, and if he had done nothing more for 
his Church and the State, this alone would have en- 
titled him to the grateful recognition of posterity. But 
his work now was too heavy for one man. He was 
President of the College, Professor in the Seminary, and 
pastor of the church. 

His health was breaking, he felt compelled to offer 
his resignation of his presidency and also his professor- 
ship. In September, 1846, the Synod reluctantly accepted 
his resignation, but requested him to continue with the 
College until his successor could take his place. His 
connection with the institution was not dissolved untiJ 
1848, when Dr. R. C. Grier took charge. 

Two years rest served to restore his health to a good 
degree, and in 1849 ne accepted the presidency of the 
"Anderson Female Collegiate Institute." He accepted 
only on condition that his duties as teacher and president 
should not interfere with his pastoral relationship. He 
19 



2 9° 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



retained his connection with the Anderson College until 
1852. 

In 1 83 1 Dr. Pressly was married to Miss Elizabeth, 
daughter of Samuel and Malinda Agnew of Due West, 
S. C. Fourteen children were born to them, all of these 
died in infancy except three daughters and one son, Dr. 
W. L. Pressly, President of Erskine Seminary. On June 
20th, 1853, his wife died. He afterwards married Miss 
Mary A. Taylor of Laurens Co., S. C, in 1854. Two 
children were born from this marriage, both dying in in- 
fancy. 

On August 21, i860, Dr. Pressly met his death from an 
accident, being thrown from his buggy while on his way 
to fill an appointment at Little Mountain. As a preacher 
and educator, Dr. Pressly deserves a distinguished place 
in the A. R. Church. "During his presidency of Erskine 
he proved his ability not only to teach but to govern as 
well. As a preacher his discourses were marked by 
originality and a grandeur which excited the admiration 
of the hearer and showed that the speaker thought for 
himself." 

Pressly, Ebenezer E. — There was born of David A. and 
Elizabeth (Todd) Pressly, about 1837, in Anderson Co., 
S. C, a son to whom they gave the name above. At 18, 
Dec. 31, 1855,, young Ebenezer entered the Preparatory 
Department of Erskine College, and was in the large 
class of 1 86 1, numbering 37, whom patriotism led a few 
months before graduation to exchange the college gown 
for the camp gun. In Aug., 1861, he volunteered in the 
Confederate Army, and June 27, 1862, was sorely 
wounded at Cold Harbor, in the ankle joint. While he 
recovered so as to walk with a cane, the musket ball re- 
mained for 28 years, producing all this time a running 
sore. 

A happy matrimonial alliance was formed with Miss 
Lizzie McDill of Donalds, S. C. After a full course of 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



theology at Erskine Divinity Hall the Second Presbytery 
licensed him April 9th, 1870. He was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of Shiloh, Lancaster Co., S. C, June 14, 
1871, which charge was demitted April 2, 1883. Early 
in his ministry he supplied Unity and Gills Creek, being 
installed pastor over the latter Nov. 24, 1882, and 
over the former, May 23rd, 1879. Demitting both 
Sept. 7th, 1885, a short time was spent in northern 
Arkansas and Rockbridge Co., Va. He became stated 
supply of Amity from 1886 to Sept. 29th, 1890, when he 
joined the Presbyterian Church, where for seven years 
he ministered. Now retired, his home is Scotts, N. C. 
A quiet unassuming minister, retired and reticent, labor- 
ing under many difficulties he patiently awaits the sum- 
mons to go hence. 



immm; m 

illi ^ 



Pressly, David, D. D. — 
Son of Samuel Pressly, M. 
D.,, and Elizabeth Hearst, 
was born near Cedar 
Springs church, in Abbe- 
ville Co., S. C, January 8, 
1820. His educational op- 
portunities were such as 
the country afforded. He 
graduated from Miami 
University, Oxford, Ohio, 
in 1839. His theological 
studies were prosecuted at 
Allegheny and Erskine 
Theological Seminaries. 
He was licensed to preach by the Second Presbytery in 
1841, and ordained by the same Presbytery, at Due West, 
S. C, Oct. 12, 1842. That year he was called to the 
Starkville, Miss., church, and was installed pastor April 
7> J 843 an d continued in this pastorate for over 40 years. 
Subsequently he preached at Mt. Carmel Miss., and 




DAVID PRESSLY, D. D. 



292 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Beulah, Tenn, and was pastor of Bloomington, Tenn., 
for a number of years. 

He married Miss Lettie Ann Fair, daughter of James 
Fair and Anne Glasgow, who was born Jan. 13, 1825. 
She bore five children and died Oct. 10, 1849. He was 
married the second time to Miss Sarah Brown Peden, 
daughter of Thomas and Isabella Peden, April 27, 
1852. She was born August 13, 1827. Seven chil- 
dren were born to them. She died January 17, 1883. 
He was married the third time May 18, 1886, to Mrs. 
Janie Moffatt Grier, widow of the late Rev. R. L. Grier. 
There were no children by this marriage. 

Mr. Pressly received the honorary degree of D. D. from 
Erskine College. He was the author and publisher of a 
number of pamphlets. He was a good preacher and a 
very pious man. He regularly in addition to family 
worship, upon retiring, committed himself as a little child 
to God — in fact repeated the child's prayer "Now I lay me 
down to sleep," etc., and soon as the morning awakened 
his the incense of a grateful heart rose from his lips 
to the "Keeper of Israel." He was rarely if ever sick, 
and his life overflowed with kindness and good cheer. 
He was wont to say "Never better, " or "Better than 
ever," and his beaming face reflected the happiness of a 
heart in touch with God. On the 29th day of July, 1891, 
his spirit returned to God and his body the following day 
was laid to rest in Salem Graveyard. 

Pressly, David Brainard. — He was a son of Dr. James 
P. and Mary E. Young Pressly, and was born in Due 
West, S. C., Oct. 28, 1848. His early education was ob- 
tained in the Academy at Due West, and in the primary 
department of the Due West Female College. He spent 
one year in military service, in 1864-5 °f the C ^ Y1 ^ 
war, in the Confederate Army. In the fall of 1865 he 
entered Erskine College, and graduated in 1869. He en- 
tered Erskine Theological Seminary in 1869, and grad- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



293 




D. B. 



PRESSLY. 



uated in 1871, and was li- 
censed by the Second A. 
R. Presbytery, at King's 
Creek, Newberry Co., S. 
C, Aug. nth, 1871. In 
October of the same year 
he was sent to the Ken- 
tucky Presbytery, to Hink- 
ston and Mt. Olivet. Calls 
were presented to him 
trom both these churches, 
which he accepted, and was 
installed as pastor in the 
fall of 1872. This proved 
to be a pleasant and useful 



pastorate, and continued fourteen years. His health gave 
way and after several years of increasing bodily afflic- 
tions, he reluctantly asked for a dissolution of the pas- 
toral relation, which was granted Nov. 18th, 1886. 

He removed to Mt. Zion, Mo., and undertook the work 
there, but there was no improvement in his health and he 
died Sept. 24th, 1888, in his fortieth year. His body 
was conveyed to Due West, S. C, and buried in the 
cemetery there where he sleeps with his fathers. 

Mr. Pressly was married in Due West, S. C, Oct. 24th, 
1872, to Miss Martha Lois, daughter of Dr. Robt. C. 
and Barbara Moffatt Grier. To them were born four 
children, two of whom, with their mother, still survive. 
Mrs. Pressly returned to Due West and now occupies the 
Grier homestead, among the friends of her youth. 

Mr. Pressly was prompt and faithful in all his official 
duties, and rarely absent from any meeting of his Pres- 
bytery or Synod. His was the longest continuous ser- 
vice of any minister in the Presbytery since 1870. As 
Financial Agent for this Presbytery he had much to do 
with securing for it that reputation which it has so long 
borne. As a preacher he was sound, evangelical and 



294 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



practical and earnest in his appeals. He was beloved by 
his brethren in the Presbytery and his death was a per- 
sonal loss to each of them. His memory is tenderly 
cherished by those whom he served so long and well in 
his pastoral charge, and general work in the Presbytery. 
In his death the Presbytery lost one of its most active, 
earnest and influential members. 

Pressly, David Peden. — Son of the Rev. Thomas P. 
Pressly and Dora Augusta Smith, was born January 8, 
1881, at Troy, Obion Co., Tenn. He enjoyed good edu- 
cational advantages, attending Obion College, in Troy, 
Tenn., and graduating in Erskine College, Due West, 
S. C, in June, 1901. He joined the Asociate Reformed 
church of Troy Nov. 22, 1896, and entered the Theolog- 
ical Seminary at Due West, in the fall of 1901, finishing 
the course there in June of the present year, 1903. He 
was licensed at a called meeting of the Memphis Pres- 
bytery, at Salem,, Tenn., June 30, 1903. 




J. E. PRESSLY, D. D. 



Pressly, John Ebenezer, 

D. D. — Saw the light Nov. 
3rd, 1826, 39 days after 
his father's death. His 
mother, who was Martha 
Devlin, of Cedar Springs, 
S. C, married a second 
time. He was left then 
in care of his uncle, Dr. 

E. E^. Pressly, President 
of Clark and Erskine Sem- 
inary. A high school in 
connection with the Di- 
vinity School had been 
opened Feb 1, 1836. The 
leading spirit and principal 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



2 95 



Professor was John S. Pressly. Into this primary in- 
stitution he was placed, and graduated in her third class, 
1844. After a full course in the Divinity Department 
there, the Second Presbytery granted him license Sept. 
18th, 1847. 

After missionary work in the West he spent four 
months in the winter '49 and '50 at Coddle Creek and 
New Perth, Iredell Co., N. C, and was ordained and 
installed pastor Feb. 12, 1851. Then began a long and 
faithful pastorate over two congregations 18 miles apart, 
two sermons each Sabbath in summer, baptizing children, 
solemnizing marriages, catechizing, preaching in neigh- 
boring congregations over an area of some twenty-five 
by fifteen miles. He was moderator of Synod in 1868, 
and Erskine College conferred the title of D. D. in 1878, 
and the responsibility of the clerkship of the First Pres- 
bytery was put upon him from April 7, 1873, to April 
4th, 1883. 

In 1869 the Synod appointed a committee to revise the 
Psalms. In this work as main factor he became intensely 
interested, wrote much and aroused the Church in get- 
ting the mind of the Spirit in this Book of Praises. 

About Nov. 10th, 1885, Dr. Pressly received a hurt 
which caused great suffering and lamed him for life. 
He demitted his charge April 13th, 1886. Though con- 
fined to his room his pen was busy and many messages 
went out from his sick chamber. Loving to preach as he 
did and regaining in a measure his strength, he was heard 
often when propped up in the pulpit. After lingering for 
ten years among a people he had served as pastor thirty- 
five years, he died May 16th, 1897. 

Next to a man's conversion, that which shapes his life 
most is his marriage. April 4, 1849, a helpmeet indeed 
was given him in Miss Martha S. Sherard, a daughter 
of William and Phcebe Sherard of Anderson Co., S. C. 
She was a woman of great prudence, good judgment and 
self-possession, "of unusual good common sense, of nerve 



296 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



and of gentleness," the stay, support and balance wheel 
of her distinguished husband with his nervous tempera- 
ment and delicate constitution. She was a model, sys- 
tematic housekeeper, but best of all devotedly pious. 

As a preacher he made the most careful and painstak- 
ing preparation, his thoughts were systematically and 
logically arranged. Believing that the priest's lips should 
keep knowledege, he never went into the pulpit unpre- 
pared. When he arose to speak there was a uniqueness, 
originality, striking and vivid utterance, sometimes a 
vein of humor, all consecrated, that commanded and held 
the attention of the most listless hearer. He preached 
Christ both to the head and heart. As a pulpit orator he 
ranked among the very best in the Synod. 

Dr. Pressly was a singular genius. In the same sen- 
tence he would make you cry and cheer. When not de- 
pressed with disease, an entertaining, suggestive, and 
brilliant conversationalist. He wielded the pen of a 
ready writer. 

Ever loyal to his denominational vows, an able defender 
of her distinctive principles, he was ever watchful of 
changes lest they be hurtful innovations. His last great 
speech was delivered before the First Presbytery at Cen- 
tral Steele Creek, Oct. 6th, 1891, against the introduc- 
tion of the organ. 

His congregation have chiseled in tablet : "He was a 
man of wide influence and culture, a profound scholar, 
an eloquent preacher and a devoted soldier of the cross.'' 
But better than tables of stone he is indelibly engraved 
in the fleshly tables of the heart in the thousands of his 
spiritual children. 

Pressly, James Hearst. — Rev. James Hearst Pressly 
is the son of Rev. William L. Pressly, D. D., and Fran- 
cis Wideman, and was born March 8th, 1866, in the 
parsonage at Generostee, Anderson Co., S. C, when his 
father was pastor there. When he was but a child, his 



i 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



297 



father was called to the 
pastorate of the church at 
Due West, S. C, and his 
education was obtained in 
the schools at that place, 
lie graduated from Er- 
sKine College, in June, 
1085, and spent the next 
five years in teaching, at 
Marion Junction, Ala. In 
this work he was eminent- 
ly successful, but he felt 
called to enter the minis- 
try. 

In 1890, he entered Er- 
skine Seminary, graduating in 1892. He was licensed 
by the Second Presbytery, at Woodruff, S. C, Oct., 
1891. He was ordained and installed as pastor of States- 
ville, N. C, by the First Presbytery, in July, 1892, and 
still continues pastor of that church. His work in States- 
ville has been very successful ; the church has grown and 
developed in every way, and his influence is felt for 
good in all the city. 

Mr. Pressly was married to Miss Mabel Lowry of 
Harrells, Ala., June 19th, 1895, and they have five chil- 
dren. Mrs. Pressly is the daughter of the late Rev. 
James A. Lowry and Katherine Craig of Prosperity, Ala. 




Pressly, Joseph Lowry. — Is the son of Rev. William 
Laurens Pressly, President of Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary. His mother was Francis Elizabeth, daughter of 
Adam Wideman, of Long Cane, S. C. He was born 
Feb. 5th, 1868, at Moffatsville, S. C. His father re- 
moving soon afterwards to Due West, S C, his early 
education was secured in the schools there. At thirteen 
years of age he connected himself with the A. R. P. 
church in Due West, S. C. He graduated from Erskine 



298 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




College in the class of 
1890, and was received as 
a student of theology by 
the Second Presbytery, in 
April, 1892, and pursued 
his studies in Erskine The- 
ological Seminary. He 
was licensed by the Sec- 
ond Presbytery, April 7th, 



J. L. PRESSLY. 



^ 1894, and was ordained by 
the same Presbytery, Oct. 
26th, 1895. He spent a 
portion of the following 
year in the Texas Presby- 
tery, mostly at Milano. 



From there he went to Generostee, S. C, and afterwards 
to Ebenezer and Wrens, Ga. Then to Hinkston and 
Ebenezer, Ky., six months in 1898. The next two years 
were spent at Salem, Ala., and Hood Spring, Tenn., 
most of the time at the latter place. He joined the Ken- 
tucky Presbytery, by certificate from the Second Pres- 
bytery, in Nov., 1 901, having spent the summer at Hink- 
ston and Olivet. The following year, 1902, he continued 
to serve these churches with zeal and fidelity. At the 
meeting of Synod, Nov., 1902, he received appointments 
in the Memphis Presbytery, and was assigned work in 
the congregation at Bethany, Miss. 

His familiarity with the Scriptures and ability to 
repeat large portions of it, and his knowledge of the 
Psalms is remarkable. He is an earnest Bible student, 
and sound evangelical preacher of the Word. 

Pressly, John Newton. — Was born Oct. 20th, 1813, in 
Hopewell, Preble County, O. Was educated at Miami 
University. He studied Theology at Allegheny, Pa., 
1835, and continued his studies in Erskine Theological 
Seminary, Due West, S. C, the following year, and was 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



299 



licensed by the Second Presbytery, at Bethel, S. C, in 
Nov. 1836 at the same time with Joseph McCreary. 

He was assigned work in the First A. R. Presbytery 
until the spring of 1837, thence went to Georgia, Ala- 
bama, Tennessee and Kentucky. He continued in Ten- 
nessee and Kentucky until the spring of 1838, when two 
months were spent in the First Presbytery, from which 
point he went to Indiana and joined the A. R. Presbytery 
there by certificate from the Second Presbytery of the 
Carolinas. He was ordained and installed as pastor of 
Bethesda, Shiloh and Richland in Rush Co., Ind., by the 
Indiana Presbytery June 27th, 1838. From this period 
his work was not in connection with our Synod. He 
continued in active service at various points until his 
death, August 22nd, 1866. 

In January, 1844, with his wife and two children he 
made a visit to relatives in Burke County, Ga., the Lowry 
family, and returned North in the spring. 

As a boy he was said to be very quick to learn — -being 
able to read at an unusually tender age. He was able as 
a preacher, but his strong anti-slavery opinions made 
him unacceptable to the Southern people. 




J. P. PRESSLY, D. D. 



Pressly, Rev. James 
Patterson, D. D. — Dr. 
James P. Pressly belongs 
to a most distinguished 
family. Three of his 
brothers achieved distinc- 
tion, two as physicians and 
one as an eminent theolo- 
gian. His father was 
David Pressly, and his 
mother Jane Patterson, of 
Cedar Springs Church. 
They belonged to that 
good stock of Scotch- 



3°° 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Irish people who helped to make up the Associate Re- 
formed churches in Abbeville Co., S. C, some hundred 
and twenty-five years ago. 

Of the parents of Dr. Pressly a friend, Gen. P. H. 
Bradley, said : "His father was a man of uncommon 
energy and business tact, and he succeeded in amassing a 
considerable fortune for his day. For strength of char- 
acter and keen perception his mother had few equals." 
As a boy Dr. Pressly attended Union Academy, a school 
taught in the neighborhood by his brother, Dr. Jno. T. 
Pressly. Afterwards, with his cousin, Dr. E. E. Pressly, 
he went to Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, then under 
the presidency of Dr. Bishop. He was but sixteen when 
he entered college in 1824, and only eighteen when he 
graduated. After returning home he began the study 
of theology under Dr. Jno. T. Pressly, his brother, the 
pastor of Cedar Springs. He was very youthful in ap- 
pearance at this time, and was remarkable for his timid- 
ity. He was licensed on February 21st, 1829, at Due 
West, and was ordained to the full work of the ministry 
at Generostee March 27, 1830. 

After licensure Dr. Pressly labored for a time in the 
vacancies of the Second Presbytery at Due West, Gene- 
rostee, Bethel in Laurens Co., etc. He then visited 
various points in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Two 
of the places visited by him were settlements of Associate 
Reformed people in Dallas and Wilcox Co's., Ala. Most 
of these people had emigrated from South Carolina. 
Those in Dallas Co. went chiefly from Newberry and 
Fairfield, and those in Wilcox from Long Cane and Cedar 
Springs in Abbeville. These communities being des- 
titute of a preacher called Dr. Pressly. He went to 
Alabama just after his marriage and began work in this 
laborious charge in 1830. He divided his time equally 
between Prosperity in Dallas and Lebanon in Wilcox. 
The two places were forty miles apart and on different 
sides of the Alabama river. The work was arduous, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



3 OI 



but Dr. Pressly did not shrink from it. He made his 
home in Wilcox, and regularly every other Saturday he 
rode to Dallas on horseback, preached on the Sabbath and 
returned on Monday. This was Dr. Pressly's first and 
only pastorate. He remained in this field about ten 
years. Here he made his reputation as a preacher. He 
was a close student. All his sermons were carefully 
written and memorized. This was his habit through life. 
He never went into the pulpit without the most careful 
preparation, yet never used a manuscript or a note, nor 
did he approve of it in others. His sermons were chiefly 
doctrinal, and as expounder of Paul's Epistles, and the 
great doctrines of human depravity, atonement, jus- 
tification, sanctification, God sovereign and man free, 
conversion, etc., he had few equals in the Associate 
Reformed Church or in any Church. 

He had some peculiarities as a preacher, resulting from 
his excessive modesty and timidity. He rarely ever 
gestured. He scarcely ever moved his eyes from a 
point straight in front of him and a little above his au- 
dience. He never used his handkerchief or looked at his 
watch while preaching. He never moved out of his 
tracks or turned to the right hand or to the left. But 
with all his timidity in the pulpit he was intensely in 
earnest, this manifested itself in his eye and in the tone 
of his voice, and he was often eloquent, he possessed the 
eloquence of truth in its naked simplicity. 

But the great work of Dr. Pressly was don^ as a 
teacher in Erskine College. About the year 1840 his 
relation as pastor with the churches in Alabama was 
dissolved and while he was looking about for another 
field of labor he was chosen Professor of Languages in 
Erskine College, and accepted the position as the call of 
God. Dr. Pressly was identified with the college from 
the day of its organization to the day of his death. The 
latter part of his life he was Professor of Greek only. • 
He was a most conscientious and faithful teacher, never 



302 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



slighting his work. He was a thorough scholar, master- 
ing whatever he attempted to do, diligently preparing 
himself for his work. He was exacting in his demands 
upon himself, he was likewise rigid in his requirements 
of others. The diligent might confidently expect his 
approval, his merited commendation, the lazy or idle 
student might just as well expect his severe rebuke, he 
had no patience with the student who was trifling with 
his work and wasting his time. It is safe, therefore, to 
say that but few men have been more successful as 
teachers of the ancient languages than Dr. Pressly. 

But not only did Dr. Pressly do a great work for the 
Church as teacher in Erskine College, he was also a 
most useful servant as professor in the Seminary. During 
his whole period as Professor in the College, he 
was Professor of Greek Exegesis in the Seminary, 
and in interpreting Scripture he excelled, possibly 
his highest attainment was in the knowledge of the New 
Testament. He was also professor for some time of sys- 
tematic Theology. He left his impress upon the minds 
of a large number of ministers of the Associate Re- 
formed Church. , 

Dr. Pressly was married three times. His first wife 
was a playmate of his youth, a daughter of Col. John 
Hearst of Cedar Springs, a sister of the late Dr. John 
W. Hearst. She died early. His second wife was a 
member of his church in Wilcox Co., Ala., a daughter of 
Samuel Young, Esq., and a sister of Rev. J. M. Young. 
She left two children — Mrs. Reid, now deceased, and 
Sam. P. Pressly, still living. The third wife was a 
daughter of Francis Young of Generostee, S. C, a sister 
of Revs. James L. and John N. Young. Three sons, 
the late Rev. D. B. Pressly, Dr. F. Y. Pressly, Prof. Jno. 
L. Pressly, and one daughter, Mrs. Calvin Pressly, were 
the fruit of this marriage. Dr. Pressly entered into rest 
March 30, 1877, full of years and of service and ripe 
for glory. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



303 



Pressly, John S. — Was born 
in Abbeville County, S. C, Nov. 
nth, 1793. His parents were 
Samuel and Elizabeth Pressly. 
He was reared by an uncle, his 
mother having died when he 
was young. He went to Ohio 
when a youth, but on account 
of the climate he returned. He 
was noted as a child for his va- 
racity and deep religious charac- 
john s. pressly. ter> He joined, the church at 

Generostee. His educational opportunities were lim- 
ited. He attended the Church Hill Academy in Abbe- 
ville Co., for a time. He graduated from the South 
Carolina College in 183 1. 

His first theological course was taken at Oxford, Ohio. 
The next under Dr. John T. Pressly at Allegheny, Pa. 
He was licensed by the Second Presbytery Oct. 8th, 1840, 
at Bethel, Lincoln Co., Tenn., and was ordained by the 
same Presbytery at a meeting of Synod at Coddle Creek, 
N. C, Oct. 14, 1 841. He accepted a call from Ebenezer 
and Bethel in Jefferson Co., Ga., in 1842, and in April, 
1843, was installed over them by the Georgia Presbytery. 
On account of ill health he demitted this charge in 1847. 
He then located near Generostee, Anderson Co., S. C, 
teaching and preaching as opportunity afforded. He 
died June 1st, 1863. He taught school for a time and 
served two terms in the S. C. Legislature before he 
began preaching. It was largely through his influence 
that Dr. Cooper was removed from the University of 
South Carolina. He was the founder of the Academy 
at Due West which afterwards developed into Erskine 
College. He married Martha Jane Strong, September 
29th, 1842. Her parents were Rev. Charles Strong and 
Nancy Harris Strong of Steel Creek, N. C. Mrs. 
Pressly was born in Newberry Co., S. C, Jan. 18th, 1820. 




304 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



They had no children. She is still living near Due West, 
South Carolina. 

Pressly, John Taylor, D. D. — Son of David Pressly, 
born in Abbeville Co., S. C, March 28, 1795, graduated 
at seventeen Transylvania University, Ky. Four years 
in the A. R. P. Seminary, N. Y., under the peerless Ma- 
son fitted him for license by the Second Presbytery, July 
3, 1816. July 10, 1817, he was ordained and installed 
pastor of the large and waiting congregation of Cedar 
Spring, S. C, and Long Cane eleven years later, Feb. 
28, 1828. 

Under Synod he was entrusted with the first mission 
West — to Tennessee. Two months in 18 19 were spent, 
a sermon on an average, was preached each alternate 
day, $17.25 collected, expenses $33.40 and $7.00 per 
week was allowed. Synod highly approved his 
work and "expressed their gratitude to the head 
of the Church for the cheering intelligence and kind 
reception of the missionary during his tour." 

He was Moderator of Synod 1820, her Professor of 
Divinity 1825-1831, early influential and always punctual. 
Dr. Pressly, in connection with Dr. Isaac Grier, was a 
delegate to a convention of the three A. R. Presbyterian 
Synods in Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 12, 1827, with the hope of 
union. 

In the midst of his rising popularity and extended 
usefulness in his congregation of 172 families and 334 
members this relation was dissolved Nov. n, 1831. 

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod of the 
West established a Theological Seminary in Pittsburg, 
Pa., May 1825. To the sole charge of this responsible 
work he was unanimously elected Oct. 10, 183 1, and 
entered upon his duties Jan. 5, 1832. During that year 
he accepted a call to the First A. R. P congregation of 
Allegheny, Pa. , and removed the Seminary to his 
church. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



305 



The title of D. D. was conferred by Jefferson in 1832, 
of which he was a trustee 1839-1865. He married Miss 
Jane Hearst of Cedar Spring, S. C, Sept. 22, 1846. 
Synod elected him President of Erskine College. This 
was declined. For over 15 years he was an honor to our 
Synod, facile princeps, very early in his ministry being 
called to her most responsible, difficult and delicate 
duties. 

His subsequent, useful and far reaching career be- 
longs to another Church very near to us. He was the 
prince of the distinguished Pressly family. Dignified 
in person, systematic and laborious in study, able in 
debate, expository in preaching, a master in the class- 
room and oracular with his students. Psalm singing 
Presbyterianism never had an abler or more influential 
defender. His death occurred August 13, 1870. 



P. Presbytery, he was ordained by the Second Presby- 
tery, Oct., 1874. He was stated supply of Mt. Zion, Mo., 
Oct., 1874, to Sept., 1876, and pastor, 1880 to 1886, the 
intervening four years being spe'nt as missionary in 
Louisville, Ky. ; was pastor of Starkville, Miss., 1886- 
20 




F. Y. 



PRESSLY, D. D. 



Pressly, Francis Young, 
D. D.— Son of Dr. J. P., 
was born at Due West, S. 
C, Jan. 18, 1853, an alum- 
nus of Erskine College, 
1 87 1, and was licensed by 
the Second Presbytery, 
Sept. 20, 1873, after a full 
course in Erskine Semi- 
nary. That winter was 
spent in the United Pres- 
byterian Divinity School, 
Allegheny, Pa., and the 
next summer, having 
preached in the Ohio A. R. 



306 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



1890, and while there taught in the A. and M. College; 
was stated supply of Abbeville, S. C, 1890- 1894. The 
Synod elected him, 1893, Professor of Greek and Ger- 
'man in Erskine College, and one year later entered upon 
his duties. He was moderator of Synod, 1893, and D. 
D. was conferred by Westminster, Pa., 1896. Synod 
clothed him as her delegate to the United Presbyterian 
Assembly, Xenia, Ohio, May, 1880. Since his resi- 
dence at Erskine College, he has been a professor in her 
Divinity Hall. 

When urged by Synod Nov. 13, 1899, to accept the 
Presidency of Erskine College, he spoke these memorable 
words after four hours prayerful deliberation : "I have 
been accustomed all my life to regard the voice of the 
Church as the voice of God. I wish I could do so now. 
But I surrender my judgment to that of my brethren and 
undertake this work until God shall make known His 
will to you and me." He has filled many positions, 
both as a citizen of his town and in executive work of 
his Church, as Board of Trustees of local school districts, 
Intendant of the town of Due West, in charge of Bethle- 
hem Church, Chairman of the Board of Foreign Mis- 
sions, President of the Alumni Association of Erskine 
College, Manager of the College Home. 

The Institution has prospered under his presidency, 
the roll steadily increasing, the Wylie Home for girls 
built, filled and seeking larger quarters. Coming of a 
distinguished intellectual family he has sustained his 
reputation. He wields a polished pen, the mint of his 
cultivated mind coins English undefiled, his sermons 
are gems, his bearing dignified, his behavior modest and 
unassuming, a courteous Christian gentleman. 

Oct. 10, 1877, the words were spoken which linked his 
life with Miss Louise M. Reid of Louisiana, Mo. 

Pressly, Leon Taylor. — Rev. Leon Taylor is the son 
of the late Rev. William B. Pressly and Lorenna Eve- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



307 




L. 



T. 



PRESSLY. 



Una Harris, and was born 
in Iredell Co., N. G, 
March 8th, 1870. He was 
educated under Profs. J. 
H. Hill and A. D. Kes- 
tler, at Statesville, N. C, 
and at the Huntersville 
High School, and at Er- 
skine College. After leav- 
ing college, he taught for 
four years, and was re- 
ceived as a student of the- 
ology by the First Presby- 
tery at New Hope, S. C, 
in 1892. His theological 



course was -taken at Erskine Seminary, and he was li- 
censed by the First Presbytery, at Charlotte, N. C. 

After supplying churches in Alabama, Georgia and 
North Carolina for some time, he was called to Edg- 
moor, Chester Co., S. C, and was ordained and installed 
Nov. 28th, 1899, and still continues pastor there. Mr. 
Pressly was married at Hickory Grove, York Co., S. C, 
Feb. 20th, 1 901, to Miss Emma Jeannette McDill. Mrs. 
Pressly is the daughter of J. Nixon McDill and Mary 
Martha Wylie of Hickory Grove, S. C, and was born 
Feb. 6th, 1874, and is the mother of one child. 

Pressly, Mason Wiley. — Rev. Mason Wiley Pressly 
is the son of Rev. John Ebenezer Pressly, D. D., and 
Martha Sherard, and was born at Coddle Creek, N. C, 
July 24th, 1859. 

His preparatory education was received at Coddle 
Creek Academy, and his collegiate course was taken in 
Erskine College, where he graduated in 1879. Mr. 
Pressly joined the church at Due West, S. C, in 1877, 
while a student in college. In the fall of 1879 he was 
received as a student of theology by the First Pres- 



3 o8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



bytery, and studied in Erskine Seminary, graduating 
from that institution in 1881, and was licensed by the 
First Presbytery, at Coddle Creek, in the spring of 1881. 

He spent a year in Princeton Theological Semin- 
ary and graduated there in 1882. After leaving the 
Seminary he received calls to several churches and ac- 
cepted the one from Chester, S. C, and was ordained 
and installed pastor there in the fall of 1882. 

In the spring of 1886, Mr. Pressly received a call from 
the North United Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, 
Pa., and accepted it, and hence severed his connection 
with the A. R. Synod of the South. In 1889 Mr. Pressly 
resigned his charge of the North Church, and spent a 
year in post graduate studies in Princeton Seminary and 
in Princeton University, and was afterwards pastor of 
U. P. Churches at Bovina Centre, N. Y., Sewickly, Pa., 
and Hamilton, Ohio. In 1897 he commenced the study 
of medicine in the American School of Osteopathy at 
Kirksville, Mo., and became a professor in the Institu- 
tion. In 1899 he was professor in a similar institution in 
Minneapolis, Minn., but in 1900 he removed to Philadel- 
phia, Pa., and founded the Philadelphia College of Os- 
teopathy, of which he is one of the leading professors. 
While in Kirksville, Mo., he was Associate Editor of 
the" Journal of Osteopathy," and has established the 
"Philadelphia Journal of Osteopathy, and at the present 
time is editor of this journal, and professor in the Phil- 
adelphia College of Osteopathy, besides practicing his 
profession in that city. 

Besides many articles in the religious press, Mr. 
Pressly has published the following pamphlets : "The 
Logical Method in Theology," "The Metaphysics of 
Theology," and "Osteopathy as a Therapeutic Science." 
He is also a member of the following organizations : 
The American Academy of Political and Social Science; 
Archeological and Paleontological Department of the 
University of Pennsylvania; The Pennsylvania Academy 
of the Fine Arts. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



309 



On Dec. 25th, 1883, Mr. Pressly was married to Miss 
Annie Clarkson Worth of Asheville, N. C, who has 
borne him five children. 

Mrs. Pressly is a daughter of the late Dr. T. C. Worth, 
and was born at Fayetteville, N. C, Feb. 26th, 1862. The 
Worth family has for a number of years been promin- 
ently identified with the State Government of North 
Carolina, and Mrs. Pressly is a woman worthy of her 
name. 




Pressly, Neill Erskine, 
D. D. — Pioneers are brave 
spirits. Carey and Morri- 
son led the van guard in 
missions, as Livingston in 
exploration. What these 
and others were to mis- 
sion work in sister 
churches, the subject of 
this sketch was to A. R. 
Presbyterianism. 

Foreign missions have 
never been lost sight of, 
though sometimes crowd- 
ed out. The aid given Re- 
formed Presbyterians in India, the Liberal mission and 
Miss Mary Galloway's brilliant devoted Egyptian co-op- 
eration with United Presbyterians, these were picket fir- 
ing, skirmishes in this holy war. God in his providence 
was raising up one to lead and bear the brunt and mar- 
shal the forces in a larger campaign and more extended 
warfare. A man child gladdened Rev. J. E. Pressly, D. 
D., and Martha Sara (Sherard) Pressly, Sept. 11, 1850, 
at Moffattsville, Anderson Co., S. C. His father about 
that time being called to Coddle Creek, N. C, his early 
days were spent there. After his eleventh year, on ac- 
count of the Civil War, his educational advantages were 
meagre and he labored on his father's farm. 



N. E. PRESSLY, D. D. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



In 1867 he engaged as a clerk with his uncle, Mr. Pink 
Helper, Davidson, N. C, afterwards he formed a part- 
nership with Mr. Jas. Allison. This gentleman gene- 
ously offered to treat him as a son in Davidson College 
when his wish was made known to prepare for the min- 
istry. This was highly appreciated but declined. Prof. 
Augustus Leayer, who said to the writer that of all his 
pupils this one gave him the most pleasure, prepared him 
for Erskine College at Coddle Creek Academy, 1872- 
1873. Entering this latter year he graduated from both 
the college and Seminary in June, 1878, taking the six 
years course in five years. His licensure was granted 
by the Second Presbytery April 13th, 1878. Rev. J. N. 
Young, L. L. D., officiating, who had performed the same 
service for the licentiate's father 31 years before. On 
Dec. 14, 1878, the same Presbytery ordained him at Due 
West, S. C. Jan. 27, 1875, an affecting farewell meeting 
was held on the departure of Miss Mary Galloway for 
Egypt as a foreign missionary. A college student, N. E. 
Pressly, then and there formed the high and noble pur- 
pose of devoting his life to missions. The Synod August 
19, 1878, established an Independent Mission in Mexico. 
This measure was led by the late Dr. J. I. Bonner. The 
subject of this sketch was selected, and youthful and 
inexperienced as he was, entrusted with this mighty and 
responsible mission. After some visiting among the 
churches he arrived via Vera Cruz in Mexico City, Jan. 
14, 1879. About a year was spent here learning the 
language and studying the field. By an arrangement 
with other denominations and the consent of his own 
Board he located in Tampico Dec. 6, 1879. 

Mr. Pressly wedded Mrs. Rachel Elliott Rosboro, 
daughter of Mr. Henry Lawrence and Mrs. Millagan 
(McMaster) Elliott of Winnsboro, S. C, Nov. 5, 1878. 
Three sons are the fruit of this marriage, Bonner Grier, 
John Ebenezer and Henry Elliott. 

In some aspects Bro. Pressly is one of the most re- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



markable young- men of our Church. His faith and 
courage is seen when alone he set foot on a foreign soil 
and undertook to found a mission backed by a denomin- 
ation not large in numbers nor rich in resources nor 
trained in experience. Yet he followed his convictions, 
the indications of providence, plead for his Savior and 
awakened the sympathy and sustenance of his Synod. 
His devotion to the Mexican Mission is exemplary, ani- 
mating and sublime. 

His Alma Mater honored him in 1901 with the title 
of D. D. His Master has blessed his work not only in 
administrative ability in selecting other countries but in 
his own special sphere. Here are 2 schools, 6 teachers 
and 100 pupils, collections in 1902 were 491.12, addi- 
tions 20, 5 assistant native missionaries and church and 
school property worth $15,600. In that too short list of 
brave pioneer Foreign Missionaries "who through faith 
subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained 
promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the 
violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of 
weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, 
turned to flight the armies of the aliens," the name of 
Neill Erskine Pressly will have an honored place. 

Pressly, Rev. Paul Adam. — Rev. Paul A. Pressly, at 
this writing a student in Erskine Theological Seminary, 
is the son of Rev. W. L. and Mrs. Francis Wideman 
Pressly. He was born September 30th, 1878, at Due 
West, S. C, while his father was pastor of the church 
at that place. Attended school at the Due West Fe- 
male College, and afterward at Erskine, graduating 
from the latter institution in 1900. He entered Erskine 
Seminary in fall of 1902, having previously taught 
school for one year at Clover, S. C, and having read 
law for some time in the office of Judge J. H. Miller, of 
Birmingham, Ala. 

In April, 1903, he connected with the Second Presby- 
tery at Due West, and during his summer vacation 



3 I2 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



labored in the bounds of the Texas Presbytery. In 
September of the same year he was married to Miss Lois 
Moffatt of Troy, Tenn. 



boro, and later under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Lord, of 
New Orleans. She was always an apt, diligent pupil. 
In early youth she made a profession of faith, in Winns- 
boro, under the ministry of Dr. C. B. Betts. 

At the age of 20 she was married to Mr. B. C. Rose- 
boro, who died within five years. 

In 1877 she entered the Due West Female College to 
study music. Here she made the acquaintance of Rev. 
Neill E. Pressly, a divinity student, to whom she was 
married in Winnsboro, S. C, Nov. 5th, 1878. 

Mr. Pressly, before completing his theological studies 
had resolved, if the way was open, to go as the second 
missionary of his Church to Egypt, and with him his 
bride-elect was to share the work of his life. At the 
meeting ot the Synod that year, it was determined to 
open an Independent Foreign Mission in Mexico and 
Mr. Pressly and his wife were commissioned to Mexico 
as the first missionaries of their Church to that field. 




N. E. PRESSLY. 



Pressly, M rs. Rachel 
Elliott. — Is a descendant 
of the sturdy Scotch-Irish 
of Fairfield Co., S. C, and 
a daughter of the late H. 
L. Elliott and Mary Milli- 
gan McMaster — families 
eminent in Fairfield andf 
the A. R. church. She 
was born Dec. 16th, 1848. 
She was the second lady 
missionary of the A. R. 
church. She received her 
early education in the Fe- 
male Seminary at Winns- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



313 



The first year of their missionary life was spent at 
Mexico City, and in the latter part of 1879 they were 
located at Tampico on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, where 
they have lived for about twenty-three years. Mrs. 
Pressly has been a faithful wife, a true helpmeet, a safe 
counselor to her husband in his labors and difficulties, 
and has always taken an active part with him in his work. 
She is not only a devoted and fond mother to her chil- 
dren, but was the educator of her three boys until they 
were sent to enter the high school of her native town. 
Knowing the evil of a bad education, she resolved to train 
up her children in the fear of God, a difficult task in the 
moral surroundings of her adopted country. If exem- 
plary deportment through half a century of life, an 
unremitting zeal in contributing to the happiness of 
others, and a full conviction of the truths of religion and 
morality form the basis of a good woman, these ele- 
ments are manifest in her character. May she be spared 
many years to her Church, to her friends and to her 
loved ones. She is the mother of five children : Mary 
Elliott, Jennie Bell, Bonner Grier, John Ebenezer and 
Henry Elliott. The eldest has passed over the river. 




T. 



P. PRESSLY. 



Pressly, Thomas Peden. 
— Was a son of the Rev. 
David Pressly, D. D., and 
Sarah Brown Peden, and 
was born near Starkville, 
Miss., January 15, 1853. 
He attended school in 
Starkville, Miss., and 
graduated from Erskine 
College, Due West, S. C, 
in 1872. Two years pre- 
vious to this he joined 
the Associate Reformed 
church at Starkville, then 



I 



3H 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



under the pastoral care of his father. In January, 1874, 
he entered the Theological Seminary at Due West, S. C, 
and was under the care of the Second Presbytery during 
the course. He was licensed to preach by the Mem- 
phis Presbytery, at Salem, Tipton Co., Tenn., Septem- 
ber 4, 1875, and was ordained by that Presbytery at 
Richland, Shelby Co. Tenn., September 2, 1876. He 
accepted a call to the pastorate of the Troy, Tenn., 
church, August 31, 1876, and was installed pastor over 
this congregation October 14, 1876. Here he continues 
to labor with great acceptance, an earnest, faithful and 
consecrated minister of the New Covenant. Two years 
ago, in 1901, the quarter-centennial of his pastorate was 
appropriately celebrated by his congregation. 

He was married at Troy, Tenn., Dec. 25, 1877, to Miss 
Dora Augusta Smith. She was a daughter of Major 
James Graham Smith and Sarah Eliza Allen. Four 
children were born to them, one of whom, David Peden, 
is now (1903) completing his theological course in Ers- 
kine Seminary. She died April 15, 1890. He was mar- 
ried the second time to Mrs. Elizabeth (Stephens) 
Bittick, Dec. 22, 1892. She was the daughter of Jerry 
Stephens and Martha Ann Taylor. Four children have 
been born to them. 

Pressly, William Barron. — In the home of Richard 
McMillen and Mary (Barron) Pressly there was born, 
March 2nd, 1828, a son of whom it might have been 
predicted, "grace is poured into thy lips." 

After a full course in Erskine College, he graduated 
in July, 1849. He then spent some time teaching in 
Steele Creek, N. C, and passing thence to Erskine The- 
ological Seminary, was licensed by the First Presbytery, 
Dec. 8, 1853. After some mission work in Kentucky, 
his ordination and installation over New Stirling and 
Amity, Iredell Co., N. C, took place, Nov. 9, 1855. Of 
engaging manners, lovely disposition, a prince among 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



315 




men with tact and energy 
and intense piety, he was 
soon the leading spirit in 
the Master's work in that 
whole section. 



REV. W. B. PRESSIyY. 



During the civil war, 
Bro. Pressly began to 
teach. After the war, 
about 1866, he was asso- 
ciated with Prof. H. T. 
Burke. The school flour- 
ished for a number of 
years, and did a good work 
for the cause of education 
in general and the pulpit 



in particular. When the office of County Superintend- 
ent was created about 1880, he was elected to fill that 
responsible place, and such was his efficiency that the 
August preceding his death the position was put upon 
him again. 

He was a missionary pastor. His belief was that 
building missions was the way to strengthen the mother 
church. About 1867 services were held at Hiddenite 
and a little later at Statesville, N. C. Another wing, 
now Elk Shoals, was cultivated. April 8th, 1878, was the 
date of his demittal of New Stirling and May 17, 1878, 
he was installed pastor over Statesville, N. C, having 
removed there the preceding year. The Moderator- 
ship of the Synod was his responsibility in 1876. But 
this weak body could not carry the load nor these 
nerves bear the strain. Palpitation of the heart had 
given him concern for a number of years. 

A sermon was prepared for Nov. 25th, 1883. Man 
proposes, but God disposes. The Sabbath being stormy, 
only a few were out. Returning home, inclement 
weather kept him in doors. Sound sleep is disturbed at 
10 P. M., a strange noise, unusual breathing and his 



316 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



inanimate clay lay in the presence of a heart-broken wife 
and sons. As one said, he walked with God that day and 
he walked so close and so far with him that night, that the 
Father said "just come over home with me." Appropriate 
exercises were held in his church at Statesville. The 
city cemetery begged his body and a monument was as- 
sured. But his intimate friends preferred the country 
church yard at New Stirling. 

The common terms of eulogy would seem tame when 
applied to him, and to go beyond these might seem to 
those who knew him not extravagancies of speech; but 
to say he was as pure and gentle as the purest and 
gentlest woman is to speak within the facts. No man 
in the county was so well known and beloved. People 
of all denominations mingled their tears over his grave, 
and experienced much of the keenness of the grief which 
settled upon the hearts of his own people. 

He was a rare combination. Few men had his won- 
derful tact and foresight in mingling agreebly and yet 
loyally with all creeds. No man ever saw him needlessly 
offend and none ever saw him uselessly compromise. 
Peerless as a peace maker, naturally high mettled, in- 
tensely sympathetic, grace laid these under contribution 
to make him a power in the sick room, in the house of 
mourning, in the church, court, in the parlor or among 
the rude. He was eminently a pastor. He ruled men 
unconsciously by love and gentleness. No one could 
nurse resentment in his presence nor resist his appeals. 

The story goes that about 1853 while teaching at 
Steele Creek, N. C, a mother brought a girl just entering 
her teens, "Train her up right and you can have her." 

May 26th, 1858, he claimed this now well-educated and 
accomplished pupil. Miss Lorenna Evelina Harris. She 
shared his hardships, made bright his home, kept the 
fires on the altar burning. She toiled in secret that he 
might triumph in public. How much she contributed 
to his great success we will not know till the record of 
surprises is unrolled. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



317 




W. L. PRESSLY. D. D. 



Pressly, Rev. William 
Laurens, D. D. — The be- 
loved president of Erskine 
Theological Seminary, the 
distinguished son of a dis- 
tinguished sire, was born 
near Due West, S. C, May 
3rd, 1837. His parents 
were Rev. E. E. Pressly, 
D. D., and Elizabeth Ag- 
new. Dr. Pressly, senior, 
lived on a farm for some 
time about half way be- 
tween Donalds and Due 
West, while he was pastor 



of the church at the latter place, and it was here that his 
son, William Laurens, was born. There is now nothing 
left of the old residence, but it was situated south east 
and not far from the present home of Mr. J. E. Todd. 
Dr. Pressly, senior, was much afflicted in the death of 
his children, a number of them dying in infancy. Three 
daughters and one son, the subject of this sketch, lived 
to maturity, but the daughters have all passed away, and 
Dr. W. L. is the only representative of the family left. 

The schools in the Due West community furnished 
very good educational opportunities to boys some fifty 
years ago. Dr. Pressly's advantages in early life were 
therefore good, he entered Erskine College at an early 
age, and graduated in the class of 1857. He did not 
immediately enter the Seminary strange to say, we are 
told that he merchandized for some time. 

The calling seems somewhat out of harmony with the 
Doctor's temperament and tastes as we now know him, 
but the information, incredible as it may seem, is given 
us on good authority. We do not know what success 
he achieved behind the counter, we feel sure, however, 
that whether he made money or not, he never misrep- 
resented his goods. 



3i8 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



It was the custom then as now sometimes for young 
men to marry before they completed their theolog- 
ical course. To this latter custom Dr. Pressly con- 
formed. He was married to Miss Francis Elizabeth 
Wideman of Long Cane, S. C, Dec. 23rd, 1858. She 
was the daughter of Adam Wideman and one of the 
well-known families, Caroline Davis of Dr. H. T. Sloan's 
congregation. In his marriage Dr. Pressly found an 
helpmeet indeed worthy of his distinguished place, and 
great usefulness, an efficient co-worker with him in all his 
labors. In 1859, the year after his marriage, Dr. Pressly 
entered the Seminary, then presided over by his father. 
He connected with the Second Presbytery and in April, 
i860, was licensed to preach the Gospel at a meeting at 
Cedar Springs. 

He received a call to the united charge of Generostee 
and Concord in Anderson Co., and was ordained and 
installed pastor over these churches in 1862. In this 
field he labored for nine years most acceptably. The 
church at Concord was small but Generostee at this 
time, while not as large as it had been in some pre- 
vious pastorates, was, nevertheless, a flourishing con- 
gregation. During the war, however, the salary was 
exceedingly small. The people were not able to pay 
much, and a few hundred dollars would doubtless 
cover all the salary for the four years of that period 
of want, distress and bloodshed. In 1871 Dr. Pressly 
was called to Due West as pastor of the church at 
that place, to succeed Dr. R. C. Grier. He entered 
upon his work here in January, 1872. For seventeen 
years he labored as pastor and preached in this 
congregation. During all this time his pulpit was 
his throne of power. The Doctor grew in wisdom and 
strength as a preacher, and in this possibly the most 
fruitful field in the Synod, his work was greatly blessed. 
Besides the people of Due West, large numbers of young 
people in the two colleges waited upon his ministry and 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



319 



ever profited by his preaching. His sermons were full 
of instruction, saturated with Scripture, most earnestly 
and at times eloquently delivered. Dr. Pressly is es- 
pecially strong in his power of analysis, in ability to see 
the truth of a text and to draw out the special doctrine 
taught in any particular passage. He has a profound 
reverence for the words of the spirit, deep spiritual in- 
sight, a remarkable knowledge of Scripture and great 
aptness and facility in quoting from it. His sermons 
were often full of Calvinistic theology, or rather the 
theology of the Bible and contained meat for the strong. 
He usually packed a great deal in a sermon, and some- 
times was thought a little long by the younger mem- 
bers of his congregation. His delivery was ordinarily 
quiet and impressive, but sometimes his utterance was 
most emphatic and he was frequently truly eloquent. He 
makes no attempt at oratory, but all would regard him as 
a very earnest speaker. As a pastor Dr. Pressly was kind, 
sympathetic and tender. His visits were full of comfort 
to the sick and he was always ready to furnish Christian 
consolation to the sorrowing. His pastorate in Due West 
was abundantly blessed in building up the congregation 
and in adding many souls to Christ. It was with great 
reluctance that the church yielded to the call of Synod, 
and consented for him to accept the presidency of the 
Seminary — on the death of Rev. James Boyce, D. D. 
He was elected to this position in 1889 at a meeting of 
Synod held at Prosperity, S. C, and now for thirteen 
years has been doing most excellent service in training 
young men for the ministry. He had been a teacher in 
the Seminary for many years before his election to the 
presidency, having charge of Hebrew. He still retains 
this department in addition to his work as professor of 
systematic theology. Dr. Pressly has nine children 
living. 

The only daughter, Erne, is the wife of Prof. Paul L. 
Grier of Erskine College. Two sons are physicians, Dr. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



E. W. of Clover, S. C, and Dr. Henry of Birmingham, 
Ala. Three are in the ministry, Rev. J. H. of Statesville, 
S. C, Rev. Joseph L. of Mt. Zion, Mo., and Rev. Paul 
A. of Lancaster, S. C. One is in the Seminary and the 
other sons are with the family at home. 

Priii zlc, James. — Son of Rev. Francis, was born near 
Belfast, Ireland, 1788, and came to America with his 
father, 1799, who had become indirectly implicated in 
the "United Irishmen's Oath;" graduated at Dickinson, 
1808. His theological studies were pursued under the 
learned Dr. John Anderson, and the Associate Presby- 
tery licensed him Oct. 1, 1812. The Presbytery of the 
Carolinas ordained and installed him pastor of Steele 
Creek, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, April 4th, 1814. He 
was moderator of the Associate Synod at Huntingdon, 
Pa., 1816. Short as was his ministry, not over five years, 
he was sincerely mourned and affectionately remembered. 
The Master called him up higher and crowned him in the 
dew of youth and early morning of his ministry, Oct. 
28th, 1 8 18. A letter bringing this sad tidings to the old 
home, neither father nor mother betrayed any violent 
emotion. In a calm voice his father said : "Peggy, James 
never cost us a tear till now. 'The Lord gave and the 
Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord/ 
Let us retire and pray that we may obtain strength to 
bear with Christian fortitude our terrible bereavement." 

Quay, Aaron Foster. — Son of Aaron and Catherine 
(Lessly) Quay, was born in Chester C. H., S. C, Jan. 28 
1826. The father's death occurring before this birth, his 
mother began the hard struggle by her needle to train 
and educate her boy. In 1840, he began preparation for 
college under a Methodist minister, assisted by Rev. J. L. 
McDaniel. Entering Erskine Nov. 3rd, 1842, he was 
graduated Sept. 18th, 1846, investing in brains the house 
and lot left him in Chester by his grandfather. Teaching 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 321 

one year at Pinckneyville, S. C, he entered Erskine The- 
ological Seminary in 1847, an d was licensed by the First 
at Old Providence, Augusta Co., Va., Sept. 15th, 1849. 

His first missionary labors were in Alabama and 
Tenn., and in 185 1 and 1852 he supplied Neely's Creek 
and Tirzah, York Co., S. C. He was ordained at Back 
Creek, May 20, 1853. Living in the bounds of this con- 
gregation he soon thereafter became a great sufferer 
from bodily infirmity, but spent his time in preaching 
and teaching as he was able. Fatal consumption closed 
his heroic endurance, Nov. 20, 1857. 

On the 7th of May, 1851, he was happily married to 
Miss Jane C. Howie, of Back Creek congregation. Com- 
paratively short was that united life, but crowded with 
sanctifying influences ! "What a glorious thing it is to 
have such a merciful Redeemer ! Trust in the Lord and 
he will save your soul." With such expressions she 
passed into the blessed beyond, Feb. 13th, 1859. 

Rev. Henry Quigg, D. D. — Was born in the North of 
Ireland, February 25, 1825 or 1826. His father's name 
was Henry Quigg. His mother's name was Miss Nancy 
McLaughlin. He received his early education in the 
public schools of his native place. He graduated at Er- 
skine College in 1853. He joined the church at the age 
of 16, in Ireland. He was received as a student of The- 
ology by the Second Presbytery, at Due West, S. C, in 
1853. Studied Theology at Erskine Seminary. Was li- 
censed in 1854 by the Second Presbytery. 

His first work was in Georgia. He was ordained by 
the Georgia Presbytery in 1855. He preached for a year 
at White Oak, Coweta County. In 1854 he began 
preaching at Hopewell in Newton County. He was in- 
stalled as pastor of Hopewell in 1855, and served this 
church until 1867. He married Miss Bertha Elizabeth 

Moffett in 1854 in Chester County, S. C. Her father • 
was William Moffett, her mother Margaret Hemphill 
21 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Moffett. She was the mother of one daughter, Miss 
Lizzie Quigg, who died in early womanhood. Mrs. Quigg 
died in 1855. In 1857 Dr. Quigg married Miss Sarah 
Agnes Craig. 

Dr. Quigg was a chaplain in the Confederate Army. 
He is a preacher of marked ability, and deep spirituality, 
a courtly and affable gentleman. Full of Irish wit, he 
is an interesting figure in any company. He left Ireland 
when a youth, and sailed as an emigrant to Quebec. 
There he was principal of the St. Andrews Institute for 
two years. About this time his cousin, Dr. R. C. Grier, 
invited him to come South and finish his education. In 
response to this call he came to Erskine College in 1851. 
In 1867 he joined the Presbytery of Atlanta, G. A. P., 
of which he is still a member. He received the degree of 
D. D. from Emory College, Georgia. He has been for 
forty years pastor of Smyrna Church, near Conyers, Ga., 
and for twenty years pastor of the Conyers Presbyterian 
Church. He resigned this pastorate eight years ago, 
just before his visit to Palestine. Dr. Quigg is a ready 
writer. His contributions to current literature, accounts 
of travel, and other writings are valuable. He has been 
an extensive traveler, having visited England and Eu- 
rope. He is now living at Conyers, Georgia, in the en- 
joyment of an hale and hearty old age. 

Rabb, Horace — Is a son of John Glazier and Nancy 
Kincaid Watt Rabb, and was born near Little River, 
Fairfield Co., S. C, May 27th, 1855. 

He was educated in the common schools and after- 
wards attended Mt. Zion Institute, under the manage- 
ment of Adolphus Woodward. In 1872 the family re- 
moved to Due West, S. C, where the father of the fam- 
ily died, Feb. 26th, 1872. Graduated from Erskine Col- 
lege in June, 1876, and entered Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary, Oct., 1877, as a student in connection with the First 
A. R. Presbytery. He was licensed at Amity. N. C. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



3^3 




H. RABB. 



Dr. E. E. Boyce presiding. 
The winter of 1879 and 
'80 was spent in the U. P. 
Seminary at Xenia, O. In 
the spring of 1880 he 
preached in Texas under 
the Board of Home Mis- 
sions, visiting vacancies in 
the counties of Freestone, 
Navarro, Johnson, Ander- 
son, Houston and Lamar, 
remaining in this field un- 
til the Fall of 1881. Im- 
mediately after the meet- 
ing of Synod in 1881, he 



took up work in Richland and Beulah congregations in 
Western Tennessee, in Memphis Presbytery. Accept- 
ing a call for one-half of his time, he was ordained 
and installed pastor of Richland congregation Dec. 
8th, 1882. Rev. J. H. Strong and J. G. Miller con- 
ducting the services. The relation proved to be a for- 
tunate one, for in 1886 the congregation employed him 
all his time. This relation was dissolved Sept. 27th, 
1895, after a pastorate of 13 years. Removing to S. C, 
he was installed pastor of Bethel, Providence and Head 
Spring, Laurens Co., in Second A. R. Presbytery, Nov. 
20th, 1896. This relation was dissolved Sept. 18th, 1897. 
The following year he was in charge of the church at Ab- 
beville, S. C. In Dec, 1898, he took charge of Doraville 
church, DeKalb Co., Ga. During the summer of 1899, he 
with Rev. H. B. Blakely held a meeting at Miller's school 
house, where J. C. McElroy and others had been conduct- 
ing a Sunday School, which resulted in the organization 
of Antioch church, with a membership of fifty-three 
persons. 

In Dec, 1899, he removed to Mt. Zion, Mo., in the 
Kentucky Presbytery, where he has since labored. 



3^4 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Mr. Rabb was married Jan. ioth, 1883, to Miss Mary 
Jefferson Walker, daughter of Samuel Craig and Ann 
Shannon Walker, in Louisville, Ky. Mrs. Rabb was 
born June 25th, i860, near Hanover, Ind. She became 
the mother of four children, three of whom survive, one 
son and two daughters. 

Mr. Rabb's maternal great grandfather, John Glazier, 
was a Captain in the Revolutionary Army, and distin- 
guished himself in the battle of Stono River and Eutaw. 
His body is buried in the cemetery of the old Brick 
Church. Mr. Rabb's father superintended the construc- 
tion of the stone wall around the cemetery in 1846 or '47 
— and his mother caused the Brick Church to be repaired 
after the destruction caused by Sherman's army in 1865. 

Mr. Rabb's preaching is plain and practical. He has 
given a good deal of attention to work among the young 
people. He has shown himself to be an earnest and zeal- 
ous minister of the Word. 

At a called meeting of the Kentucky A. R. P. Presby- 
tery, Nov. 3rd, 1903, he asked for a certificate to connect 
with the Indiana Presbytery of the M. P. Church. His 
request was granted, and he is now pastor of Shiloh M. 
P. Church at May's, Indiana. 

Rainey, William H. — The family emigrated from Ire- 
land and located in eastern Pennsylvania. William was 
sent to school, and graduated in Dickinson College, Pa., 
in 1798. He was licensed by the A. R. Presbytery of 
Pennsylvania, Oct. 30, 1800. He was sent by the Synod, 
Oct. 2nd, 1802, to the First Presbytery of the Carolinas 
and Georgia. He remained there one year. The fol- 
lowing year he went to Kentucky. Oct. 5th, 1803, he 
was received by the A. R. Presbytery of Kentucky on 
certificate from the First Presbytery of the Carolinas and 
Georgia. He supplied vacant churches in Central Ken- 
tucky. Oct. 30th, 1805, h e was ordained and installed 
pastor of Paint Lick and Silver Creek (now New Hope) 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



325 



congregation. This relation continued until April 17th, 
1 81 7, when he demitted his charge. For several years 
he preached for the vacancies in the Presbytery, mainly 
in Bourbon, Bath and Fleming counties. 

The subjects of intercommunion and also slavery agi- 
tated this Presbytery deeply, resulting in some of the 
ministers changing their church connections, and others 
moving North of the Ohio River. The Bishop and Rankin 
difficulty also agitated the Presbytery. In addition, the 
Presbytery was divided, cutting off all the territory North 
of the Ohio River, which was the strongest portion of 
the Presbytery, into a new Presbytery, to be called the 
Presbytery of Ohio, the division to take effect Jan. 1st, 
181 7. The result was the Presbytery soon became dis- 
organized. 

April 20th, 1820, the Synod of the West authorized 
Revs. W. H. Rainey and Samuel Brown to reorganize 
the Presbytery, which they did Aug. 30th, 1820. These, 
with Wm. Baldridge and Hugh Mayne, constituted the 
working force of the Presbytery up to 1835. The sub- 
ject of slavery, perhaps, more than any other one cause, 
(as the source of supply of ministers was from the 
North), resulted in the disorganization of the Presby- 
tery again. Several of the congregations sought connec- 
tion with the Presbytery of Chillicothe, O., as also did 
Mr. Rainey. 

He was installed pastor of Hinkston, the 2nd Thurs- 
day of Dec, 1825, and continued in this relation until 
April, 1832. He continued to supply the churches in 
Central Kentucky occasionally up to 1842, when the 
Presbytery was reorganized in connection with the Synod 
of the South. May 18th, 1844, he again connected him- 
self with the A. R. Presbytery of Kentucky, at a meeting 
held with the New Hope congregation. He was clerk 
of the Presbytery from 1820 to 1835, and in 1844 he pre- 
sented to the Presbytery the original records from Feb. 
nth, 1801, to that date, which are yet in the possession 



326 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



of the Presbytery. He continued occasionally to preach 
up to the time of his death, in 1850. 

Mr. Rainey married Margaret Fisher. They had four 
sons and two daughters, none of whom are now living in 
the bounds of any of the A. R. P. churches in Kentucky. 
The family lived in Harrison County, Ky. Mr. Rainey's 
father and President U. S. Grant's father were cousins. 

Mr. Rainey was connected with the A. R. P. church 
in Kentucky about 47 years, a much longer period than 
any other minister ever connected with it. 

In the Report of the Kentucky Presbytery to Synod, 
Oct. 14th, 1850, we find the following tribute : "He en- 
tered the ministry at an early day in the history of the 
Kentucky Presbytery, and adhered to the original prin- 
ciples of the church through the long series of difficulties 
with which it was tried. For a considerable time the 
congregations were almost wholly dependent on him 
for supplies. His memory is embalmed in the affections 
of many, both in the church, and in the wide circle of his 
acquaintances." 

Ralston, Samuel Shannon. — Was the son of James and 
Esther Shannun Ralston, and was born near Nashville, 
Tenn., May nth, 1809. His memory of his earlier days 
was remarkable. In his autobiography he mentions the 
earthquake shocks of 1811-12 as distinctly remembered. 
His parents were poor and he was very anxious to secure 
an education. At the age of eighteen he had never 
owned as much as ten dollars. At this age he left his 
father's and hired as a day laborer for nine dollars per 
month. 

He spent several months in school at Lebanon, Tenn., 
with his uncle, Rev. William Ralston, a Cumberland 
Presbyterian minister. About this time Rev. Henry Bry- 
son, D. D., offered him free board and tuition in his 
school at Viney Grove, Lincoln Co., Tenn. This he gladly 
accepted and spent three years under Dr. Bryson's care. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 327 

During that time he became a member of Bethel, one 
of Dr. B.'s churches. Two years were spent in college 
at Jackson, Tenn. He afterwards spent a year or two in 
Maury Co., Tenn., studying with and assisting Rev. 
Robt. Galloway in his school. He now began studying 
Theology under Dr. Bryson, but after one year, went to 
the Seminary at Due West, S. C, and completed his 
course, and was licensed by the 2nd A. R. Presbytery, 
May 6th, 1837, and ordained by the Tennessee A. R. 
Presbytery in Tune 1838. 

His first preaching was done in S. C. in 1837. The 
winter of 1837 was spent in Alabama, Mississippi and 
West Tennessee, reaching Middle Tennsesee in 1838. 
He was in charge of Head Spring, Marshall Co., and 
Zion in Lincoln Co., until 1843, when he removed to the 
bounds of the Kentucky Presbytery and accepted a call 
from Mt. Zion and Buffalo, Mo., and was installed as 
pastor over these churches May 30th, 1845, three-fourths 
of his time at Mt. Zion, and one-fourth at Buffalo. He 
demitted the Buffalo branch of his charge March 26th, 
1852, though he continued as stated supply. Sept. 10 
1859, he asked to be released also from Mt. Zion, though 
formal action was not taken until Sept. 8th, i860. At this 
time he was not only released from the pastoral relation, 
but was also given a certificate to connect with the United 
Presbyterian Church. He removed to Le Claire, Iowa, 
where he died Nov. 1st, 1890. 

Mr. Ralston was moderator of the A. R. Synod of the 
South in 1852, and delegate from the M. P. church to 
our Synod in 1873. 

He was a man of more than ordinary abilities, and was 
held in high esteem by his brethren. 

Mr. Ralston was married three times. His first wife 
was Mary Ann Hill, of Maury Co., Tenn., who became 
the mother of four children, one of whom is Mrs. John 
G. McCain, of Idaville, Tenn. She died Aug. 28th, 1845. 

He was married June 6th, 1846, to Sarah Yeager, of 



328 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Kentucky, who died April 10, 1873. He was married 
again Dec. 30th, 1875, to Mrs. Rebecca McGarvey, of 
Freeport, 111., who is still living in Freeport, 111. Neither 
of the two last had any children. 

Mr. Ralston published "Ralston on the Apoeolypse" 
in 1858, and "Five Arguments for the Post Millenial 
Theory" in 1875. 

His views on prophecy being somewhat different from 
those ordinarily entertained, he hesitated to publish his 
book. While in this state of mind, he and his wife ear- 
nestly engaged in prayer for the divine guidance and 
when thus engaged there was a considerable shock of 
earthquake. He accepted this as the divine approval, 
especially as it was accompanied with a feeling of such 
calm assurance as he had never felt before. 

Ranson, Alexander, D. D. — Was born in Laurensville, 
S. C, Aug. 22nd, 182 1. He was early trained in rigid 
economy, industry and morality. Entering Erskine Col- 
lege in 1845, without means, Dr. George W. Pressly, of 
Long Cane, S. C, unsolicited advanced the means for 
the two years in the College, and the same time in the 
Seminary. This money was returned, the generous Dr. 
accepting no interest. Graduating from the Literary 
department in 1847, an d the theological in 1849, the 
Second Presbytery gave him license Sept 22, 1849. 
From this time till about Jan. 1, 1852, he taught at 
King's Creek Church, Newberry Co., S. C, and supplied 
that pulpit. A short time being spent in East Tennessee 
and Georgia, he passed to the Kentucky Presbytery, by 
which he was ordained May 7th, 1853, where he spent 
some four or five years. 

The united congregations of Gilead and Prosperity, 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C, called him and his installation 
took place Dec. n, 1857. Very soon after this he be- 
gan preaching at Craighead stand, a point near Hun- 
tersville, N. C. The place was removed nearer town 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



329 



and a church organized Sept., 1874. He was public 
spirited. The Mecklenburg Co. Bible Society found in 
him a true and tried friend and an efficient member. 
Naturally of a practical cast of mind, his influence on 
farming, economic questions and settlement of difficul- 
ties was very great, especially in upper Mecklenburg. 
Practical and far seeing, he worked steadily at his object 
and gave everything such a touch of common sense as to 
recommend it. 

His church recognized his ripe scholarship and his 
ability as a Bible exegete and placed him on the commit- 
tee to revise the Psalms and constituted him Professor of 
Sabbath School Literature. He was honored in 1877 
with the title of D. D. from his alma mater. As a safe, 
learned and conservative expounder of God's word he 
had few equals. 

His reading was extensive, considering his opportunity 
for books. But what he read was at his command. 

Always a welcome and helpful contributor to secular 
and religious papers, this opportunity especially when 
laid aside was embraced. 

As a preacher he was not eloquent in fluency and flow 
of language. But there was the eloquence of clear illus- 
tration, the power of lucid explanation and the beauty 
of home application. 

He had strong faith and was a marvel of patience. 
With him, God's time was the best time. During the 
four years struggle, '61 to '65, he was faithful in burying 
the dead, comforting the widow and orphan. 

There was martyr's blood in this man. Wise in coun- 
sel, mild in manner, broad minded in his views, it was 
never in his mind to compromise his religious convic- 
tions. 

His charge was demitted Sept. 3rd, 1877. After a min- 
istry of thirty-three years, he approached death with the 
same calm, conscious faith, saying, "I know I will be 
saved for I know I believe." He died Aug. 12, 1880. 



33° 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Nov. 15th, 1853, ^liss Sarah Shannon, of Nicholas Co., 
Ky., became his life companion. She was a lady of good 
education, of fine conversational powers, combined with 
tact, prudence and piety. 

Sharing the cares and sacrifices for the gospel's sake 
with her patient and godly companion, heirs together of 
the grace of life, they now wear the crown. 



wards spent one year in the 
Seminary at Princeton, N. J. The First Presbytery li- 
censed him at Back Creek, April 8, 1895. He took up 
work as stated supply of Prosperity and Blanche, Tenn., 
July 1, 1895, and was ordained and installed pastor of 
these churches, Nov. 10, 1895. This happy relation was 
interrupted, when by the appointment of Synod he left 
that field, Nov. 17, 1901, to take charge of the Mission 
church in Corsicana, Texas. Mr. Ranson was happily 
married to Miss Julia E. Cowan, at Due West, S. C, 
June 23, 1897. She was a daughter of W. T. and Mary 
(Brownlee) Cowan, and a graduate of the Due West 
Female College in the class of 1895. She died Aug. 8, 
1902, leaving one child. 

Mr. Ranson is still in charge of the church at Corsi- 
cana, and his labors are meeting with great acceptance. 




A. J. RANSON. 



Ranson, Rev. Arthur 
Jones. — Son of John J. and 
Rose Elizabeth (Hunter) 
Ranson, was; born at 
Huntersville, N. C, Aug. 
26, 1873. When ten years 
old, joined Huntersville 
church. He attended Hun- 
tersville High School and 
Erskine College, graduat- 
ing in 1893. He entered 
Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary that fall, and gradu- 
ated in 1895. He after- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



331 



Ranson, Edgar Alexander. — Rev. E. A. Ranson is the 
son of John J. Ranson and Elizabeth Rose Hunter, and 
was born at Hunters ville, N. C, June 3rd, 1876. At the 
age of fifteen, he lost an arm in an accident. He was 
prepared for college at the Huntersville High School, 
and graduated at Erskine College. He was received as a 
student of theology by the First Presbytery at Ebenezer, 
N. C, May 7th, 1901, and was licensed at King's Moun- 
tain, N. C, May 7th, 1902. He attended the Seminary, 
first at Princeton, then at Erskine, and took a post grad- 
uate course at Allegheny U. P. Seminary. 



Reid, Daniel Washing- 
ton. — Was born in New- 
berry District, S. C, Oct. 
10th, 1826. His father was 
Daniel Reid and his mother 
Miss Jane Fleming. His 
educational opportunities 
were fairly good. He 
graduated from Erskine 
College in 1847. He joined 
the church at Cannon 
Creek, in 1849. He was 
received as a student of 
Theology in 1867, by the 
Second Presbytery. He 
studied Theology at Due West. He was licensed to 
preach by the Second Presbytery at Generostee, 1868. 
He was ordained by the Memphis Presbytery, at Rich- 
land Church, Shelby Co., Tenn. 

He preached at Hopewell, Newton Co., Ga., as stated 
supply for two years. He also served the church at 
Richland, Tenn., until called as their pastor. He was 
there eight years. On Oct. 16th, 1849, i n Abbeville Co., 
S. C, he married Miss Elizabeth Amanda Bradley. Her 
parents were Archibald and Sarah Bradley. She was 




d. w. REID. 



33 2 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



born Oct. 21st, 1829, in Long Cane, Abbeville Co., S. C. 
They had three children. She died March 30th, 1895. 
Soon after his graduation, Dr. Reid began the study of 
medicine. He graduated in Eclectic School of Medicine 
in the year 1849. From then until 1857 he practiced 
medicine successfully in South Carolina. In that year 
he removed to Georgia and continued to practice his 
profession until after the war, when he began the study 
of Theology. 

Reid, Samuel Watson. — ■ 
His parents were Samuel 
Watson and Jane Pressly 
Reid. He was born Sept. 
9th, 1867, in Steel Creek, 
N. C, Mecklenburg Co. 
His mother was a daugh- 
of Rev. James P. Pressly, 
D. D., of Due West, S. C. 

As a child, he was un- 
usually thoughtful and 
had a habit of taking ev- 
erything to God in prayer, 
believing that God would 
hear and answer his pray- 
ers. His early education was obtained under Prof. H. K. 
Reid, at Ebenezer, N. C, and A. G. Kirkpatrick, at 
Sharon, N. C, and J. P. Reid, at various places, Pine- 
ville, Steel Creek and Gastonia, N. C. He graduated at 
Erskine College July 8th, 1891, and was received as a 
student of Theology by the First A. R. Presbytery, Oct. 
2nd, 1 89 1, and entered Erskine Theological Seminary. 
He was licensed by the First A. R. Presbytery, April 
5th, 1893, at Charlotte, N. C, Rev. A. G. Kirkpatrick, 
moderator. 

He was ordained and installed as pastor of Woodruff, 
S. C, July 15th, 1893, and Welford, S. C, Aug. 26th, 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



333 



1893, by commissioners appointed by the 2nd. A. R. 
Presbytery. This pastorate continued until May, 1897, 
when it was dissolved in order that he might take charge 
of Ebenezer and Wren's congregations, Ga. His work 
in Ga. continued until Sept. 13th, 1898. Having re- 
ceived a call to Louisville, Ky., he was transferred to the 
Kentucky Presbytery, and installed as pastor Dec. 31st, 
1898, Rev. L. I. Echols, of the Kentucky Presbytery and 
Dr. W. M. Grier, of the 2nd Presbytery, officiating in the 
installation service. 

He was appointed Financial Agent and Superintend- 
ent of Missions for the Presbytery in May, 1899, which 
position he still fills with zeal and fidelity. He has been 
active in the work of the Young People's Christian 
Union, co-operating with the United Presbyterians and 
has attended several of the General Conventions. 

Through his labors, the church in Louisville has been 
making constant progress, and at the present rate of 
growth bids fair soon to be self-sustaining. 

Mr. Reid is married. He is an earnest, zealous, conse- 
crated minister of the Word and is highly esteemed in 
love for his work's sake. 

Renwick, John, Sr. — This father of the Associate Re- 
formed Church was born in Ireland, of Scottish ances- 
try, likely in the year 1735, and in County Antrim. In 
1770, he emigrated from the mother country with a large 
portion of his congregation, and settled in Newberry 
County, South Carolina. 

A part of his congregation had preceded him, in the 
year 1767, and still another portion followed him, in the 
year 1772. These were Anti-Burghers, and Rev. John 
Renwick was the first Associate Reformed preacher in 
Newberry County. His son, Rev. John Renwick, Jr., 
was born December 31st, 1770, at sea, on the passage 
over. These people with their pastor, founde|d the 
churches of King's Creek and Cannon Creek, and out 



334 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



of these grew the congregations of Prosperity and Head 
Spring. These are all the facts we have been able to 
gather in the life of Rev. John Renwick, Sr. He died 
August 20th, 1775, aged 40. 

Renwick, John, Jr.- — This minister was born at sea, 
December 31st, 1770, while his father and many of his 
parishioners from Ireland were making their voyage to 
Newberry Co., S. C. 

He was received as a student of theology by the Sec- 
ond Presbytery, March, 1805, and studied under Rev. 
Alexander Porter. He was elected clerk of Second Pres- 
bvterv, April 1st, 1806, before licensure, and "on prom- 
ising fidelity took his place." He was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of Gilder's Creek, Newberry Co., S. C, 
June 28th, 1809, at the same time supplying Warrior's 
Creek (now Bethel), Laurens Co., until March 10th, 1812, 
when he became pastor of this church also. He demitted 
Gilder's Creek, March 1st, 1814, and gave up Warrior's 
Creek, November nth, 1825. He continued to preach 
until a few years before his death, which occurred about 
the close of the year 1836. He was moderator of Synod 
in 1826. His wife was the widow of Rev. David Both- 
well, of Georgia. 

Robinson, David Pressly. — Born in Long Cane, Ab- 
beville Co., S. C, 1819, a graduate of Erskine College, 
1843, °f her divinity department two years later, and a 
licentiate of the Second Presbytery, Mar. 29th, 1845. 
Declining a call in 1848 from Bethel and Ebenezer, Ga., 
he was ordained and installed pastor of Tirzah, Union 
Co., N. C, and Shiloh, Lancaster Co., S. C, Nov. 3rd, 
1848. Margaret, daughter of Capt. Wm. Bonner, of 
Wilcox Co., Ala., linked her life to this gifted licentiate. 
A bride of three months, this beautiful but fragile flower 
wilted Aug. 4, 1846. With amiable temper and gentle 
manners, she won favor and admiration. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 335 

His second marriage, May 24, 1849, was to Miss 
Margarett, daughter of Robt. Brice, Esq., of Fairfield 
Co., S. C. She was a good woman, a devoted mother and 
wife. Two of her sons, Gardiner Springs and Lawrence 
Henry, became ministers. She died Jan. 31, 1868. 

In the fall of 1867 he made complaint of the conduct 
of two elders in Shiloh, and later that congregation de- 
siring the relation dissolved, a commission was ap- 
pointed "to adjudicate the difficulties there existing." 
This committee recommended the dissolution of the pas- 
toral relation, which was done Sept. 23, 1868, the congre- 
gation being required to pay balance of salary. These 
arrearages and declaring the pulpit vacant led to strained 
relations between him and some members of his Pres- 
bytery. 

"Partiality, tyranny and usurpation" being his com- 
plaint against the Presbytery, this court began a formal 
process at Ebenezer, N. C, July 16, 1873. When every- 
thing was ready for trial, Rev. Robinson requested and 
Presbytery agreed to submit this whole matter to a 
Board of Arbitrators, two of whom should be selected 
by himself, two by the prosecuting court, the four to se- 
lect a fifth, all of them to be members of the A. R. P. 
church outside the Presbytery, and their decision final. 
This Arbitration Board met at New Hope Church, Fair- 
field Co., S. C, Dec. 3rd, 1873, and unanimously sus- 
tained the charge of the First Presbytery, "making due 
allowance for peculiar circumstances and temperament of 
Mr. Robinson, some palliation of the offence should be 
allowed." 

D. G. Phillips, 
D. F. Haddon, 
H. T. Sloan, 
Joseph Caldwell, 
J. L. Miller. 

Making exception to the construction of this Board, 
which the Presbytery refused to entertain, and in April, 



336 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



1874, giving verbal notice of his withdrawl, this judica- 
tory erased his name Sept. 8, 1874. 

He was in his best days a fine preacher, a clear, tren- 
chant and logical writer, a man of the most remarkable 
nerve and coolness. A bright future was largely clouded, 
a prospective usefulness partly hindered, pure Christian 
joy largely interrupted because out of tune "in submis- 
sion in the spirit of meekness, to the admonitions of the 
brethren of this Presbytery." 

He joined the Southern Presbyterian Church and for 
a number of years carried through all our courts the 
same unhappy litigation. 

After a stormy life, he left evidence that he entered 
peacefully the haven of rest, Nov., 1902. 

Robinson, Hugh Harris. — A son of Ezekiel and 
Eleanor Harris Robinson, was born March 1, 1824, in 
the bounds of Sugar Creek, Mecklenburgh Co., N. C. 
His father died when he was two years old, leaving him 
to be reared by a pious and affectionate mother. She re- 
moved to Steele Creek in 1828, and in 1840 went to the 
Coddle Creek congregation. He prosecuted his studies 
in the common schools and at Union Academy, and 
entered the Sophomore class in Erskine College, in Nov., 
1844, and graduated September 15, 1847. He had joined 
the Associate Reformed Church at Coddle Creek in 1840. 

He was received as a student of theology by the First 
Presbytery at North Bethany, Mecklenburgh Co., N. C, 
April 17, 1848, and was licensed to preach by that 
Presbytery at Old Providence, Augusta Co., Va. He 
studied theology at Erskine Theological Seminary, and 
after^ licensure missionated extensively in Georgia, Ala- 
bama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. He was 
called to the pastorate of Ebenezer in Tippah Co., and 
Shiloh in Lafayette Co., Miss., 185 1, and having been 
transferred to the Alabama Presbytery he was ordained 
in the spring of 1852 at Starkville, Miss. He was in- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



337 



stalled at Ebenezer by Rev. J. L. Young, July 24, 1852, 
and at Shiloh by Rev. J. A. Sloan, and he continued to 
minister to Ebenezer until his death in 1881. He de- 
mitted his Shiloh charge in 1856. 

He married Miss Mary Adaline Ellis of Due West, 
S. C, Oct. 21, 1851 She was a daughter of John 
Lindsay and Mahala Dodson Ellis, and was born March 
4, 1827. She was the mother of eight children, seven of 
whom survive to chis day. Of them John E. is a prac- 
ticing physician at Bethany, Miss., and Ralph E. and 
Hugh H. are prominent educators in the State of 
Tennessee. 

He was acting chaplain of the 3rd Mississippi Regi- 
ment and was captured at Fort Donelson in February, 
1862, and was kept a prisoner of war mostly at John- 
son's Island. He came near dying there and was released 
and stopped over in central Kentucky and returned to 
his home in September, 1862. His death was a melan- 
choly providence. In returning from visiting a sick 
little child the horse he was riding became frightened 
by the barking of a dog and threw him, injuring him so 
seriously that after three days of great suffering he died, 
May 19, 1881. His last words were "Lord Jesus, receive 
my spirit." 

Mr. Robinson was a man of great force of character, 
a close student and an excellent pastor. Faithful in 
pulpit and pastoral visitation, he was greatly beloved 
throughout the whole community. His visits were pecu- 
liarly comforting and helpful to the sick and afflicted, and 
much of ministerial labor was spent in the homes of 
his people. His Presbytery pays tribute to his worth as 
"a prince and great man in Israel — wise in counsel and 
efficient in action — as pastor, manifesting special care in 
visiting sick and comforting the afflicted. As a citizen, 
modest, exemplary, exhibiting at all times the beauty of 
holiness and the excellency of undefiled religion." 

He was Moderator of the Synod of 1866, which met 
22 



338 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



at Prosperity, Lincoln Co., Tenn. He was the stated 
clerk of the Memphis Presbytery from 1856 to 1873, 
His body sleeps in the church-yard at Ebenezer hard by 
the church around which centered his ministerial labors 
for nearly 30 years. 



West, S. C, in 1889, he was graduated from that insti- 
tution in June, 1892. He made a public profession of his 
faith at Shiloh church, Lancaster, S. C, in his twelfth 
year, during the pastorate of the Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco. 
Immediately after graduation, he taught school one year 
at McConnellsville, S. C. In August, 1893, he took 
charge of the Oak Hill School, at Oak Hill, Wilcox Co., 
Ala., in which he taught for three years. It was during 
this period that he reached the conviction (November 
10th, 1895) that he should give himself to the work of 
the ministry, and in Sept., 1896, he entered Princeton 
Theological Seminary, where he spent three years, grad- 
uating in May, 1899. 

In May, 1898, he was received as a student of theol- 
ogy by the First Presbytery and licensed May 15, 1898, 
at Charlotte, N. C. During this summer he supplied 




R. L. ROBINSON. 



Robinson, Richard Lee. 
— Son of Nathaniel Press- 
iy Robinson and Agnes 
Elizabeth Lathan, was 
born Oct. 31, 1872, in Lan- 
caster, S. C. He attended 
the country schools until 
his fourteenth year, the last 
two of which he studied 
under Rev. W. A. M. 
Plaxco. He was prepared 
for college by Prof. J. G. 
Baird, at Franklin Acad- 
emy, Lancaster, S. C. En- 
tering Erskine College, Due 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 339 

the churches at Louisville, Hinkston and Ebenezer, Ky. 
returning to Princeton Seminary in the fall. In connec- 
tion with his theological studies he took post-graduate 
work in Princeton University under Profs. Mark Bald- 
win, Bliss Perry and Paul Van Dyke. Also extra 
curriculum studies in the Seminary under the instruc- 
tion of Drs. George T. Purves and G. Vas. 

Immediately on completing his studies in the Seminary 
he began work at Camden, Ala. He was ordained by 
the First Presbytery at Lancaster, S. C., Nov. 10, 1899, 
and installed pastor of the church at Camden, Ala., by 
Rev. H. M. Henry, D. D., of the Tennessee and Ala- 
bama Presbytery on the fourth Sabbath of November, 
1900, and still labors in that field. He is unmarried. 




Rogers, Arthur Small. 
Rev. A. S. Rogers is the 
son of the late Atmar Rog- 
ers and Mary J. Craw- 
ford, and was born in 
Newberry, S. C, March 
nth, 1869. He attended 
the city schools in New- 
berry until he was twelve 
years old, and was prepared 
for college at the Hunters- 
ville High School, and 
graduated at Erskine Col- 



a. s. rogers. lege in 1894. He was re- 

ceived as a student of 
theology by the First Presbytery, April 7th, 1895, at a 
meeting at Back Creek, N. C. 

His theological course was taken at Erskine Seminary, 
and afterwards a short course at the Moody Bible In- 
stitute in Chicago. He was licensed by the first Pres- 
bytery at Gastonia, N. C, April 7th, 1896, and was 
ordained by the same Presbytery April 5th, 1897. Im- 



340 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



mediately after his licensure Mr. Rogers was sent by 
the Board of Home Missions to take charge of the 
mission in Rock Hill, S. C, for five years. Under the 
direction of the Board he canvassed the Synod for funds 
to erect a church building in Rock Hill. Largely owing 
to his zeal and energy, and under his wise administration, 
we now have an elegant church building and a flourish- 
ing congregation in the city of Rock Hill. At the expira- 
tion of his term of five years under the appointment of 
the Board, he was called as pastor by the congregation, 
and was installed Dec. 19th, 1901, and still continues 
pastor there. 

Rodger s, John, M. D. — Of Scottish birth, 1745, a 
graduate of St. Andrews' University, with a full course 
of medicine added, the Associated Synod of Edinburg 
after his licensure commissioned him to the wilds of 
America, 1770. 

Ordained that summer he sailed in the fall. Before 
leaving his native soil he married, Oct. 1, 1770, Miss 
Elizabeth Blackwood of gentle and wealthy parentage. 
April 4th, 1772, he became pastor of Big Spring and 
connections, Cumberland Co., Pa. For error in doctrine 
he was deposed on the ninth anniversary of his installa- 
tion. This act was not unanimous and the next year 
his friends being in the majority because Revs. Marshall 
and Clarkson declined entering the union which formed 
the A. R. Synod, he was restored. This terminated his 
connection with Big Spring. Dr. J. B. Scouller says : 
"It is rather difficult to believe that Mr. Rodgers was 
very much of an errorist in substance and reality, when 
men of such undoubted orthodoxy as Murray, Smith and 
Logan refused to condemn him." His first wife died in 
Pennsylvania. His second wife was Miss Isabella 
Ireland of Cumberland Co., Pa. 

In 1783 he was installed pastor of Old Providence and 
Timber Ridge, Va., thus constituting the oldest pastorate 
in the Southern Synod. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 341 

Charges were preferred against him in 1789 affecting 
his ministerial standing and usefulness. Revs. Alex- 
ander Dobbins, John Boyse and John Smith were sent 
with full powers to investigate and report. On the 
strength of this Synod, May 19th, 1790, in the city of 
Philadelphia suspended him from the office of the min- 
istry. He never afterwards sought re-admission. Having 
received a thorough medical education he turned his 
attention to this and became a successful practitioner. 
About the year 1803 he donated fifty-five volumes ot 
Calvinistic Theology in Latin and Hebrew to Washing- 
ton College, Lexington, Va. It was the first donation 
during the first seventy years of her existence. 

Dr. Rodgers continued the practice of medicine till 
his death in 1812 on his farm near Timber Ridge, Va. 

Rogers, James. — Rev. James Rogers was born in 
County Monaghan, Ireland, Aug. 2nd, 1768. He grad- 
uated at Glasgow University, and studied theology two 
terms with Dr. Lawson, at Selkirk, Scotland, and was li- 
censed Sept. 8th, 1789, that he might go to South Caro- 
lina with a brother and sister. 

He landed in Charleston, S. C, Dec. 25th, 1789, and 
soon after went to Fairfield and Abbeville Districts. He 
was present at the organization of the Presbytery of the 
Carolinas and Georgia of the Associate Reformed 
Church. At Long Cane, Feb. 24th, 1790, and officiated 
as clerk. 

He was called to the pastorate of Kings Creek and 
Cannon's Creek, in Newberry Co., and of Ebenezer, 
now called the Brick Church, in Fairfield Co., S. C, and 
was ordained and installed Feb. 23rd, 1791. About 1815 
Mr. Rogers resigned his Newberry Churches, but con- 
tinued to be pastor of Ebenezer until his death, August 
21st, 1830. 

The Associate Reformed Synod of the Carolinas was 
organized at Mr. Rogers' church, Ebenezer, May 9th, 



342 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



1803, and Mr. Rogers was the Moderator of the meeting. 
He was also Moderator in 1809, I ^i4, 1817 and 1821. 

Early in his ministry he founded the Monticello Aca- 
demy, near Ebenezer, and presided over it for more than 
twenty-five years. This Academy was somewhat famous 
in its day, and many men who afterwards became famous 
in the South obtained the rudiments of an education in 
this school. 

Dr. Lathan, in his "History of the A. R. Church," 
says : "James Rogers was a man of fine mental attain- 
ments and cultivated taste." 

Dr. Schanler says : "He was decidedly attractive 
and popular as a preacher, and equally so as a man in 
his private intercourse." 

Mr. Rogers was married three times, first to Jane 
Wilson Murray, who died July 30th, 1803, leaving one 
child, John Rogers. His second wife was Celia Davis, 
who died Sept. 21st, 18 18. The third wife was Jane 
Adger, daughter of Wm. Adger of White Oak, S. C. 

After the death of Mr. Rogers his widow married Mr. 
Scott of Columbia, S. C, by whom she had one son, 
but they are all now dead. 




R. A. ROSS, D. D. 



Ross, Robert Armstrong, 
D. D. — Was born in Ca- 
barrus Co., N. C, near 
Coddle Creek church, Oct. 
9, 1817. His preparation 
for college was largely at 
Union Academy, Meck- 
lenburg Co., N. C, under 
Dr. R. C. Grier. While a 
pupil, a kind providence 
saved him from an awful 
tragedy. July 4, 1837, was 
being patriotically ob- 
served at People's Old 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 343 

Store, in the lower part of Mecklenburg Co. Not sat- 
isfied with ordinary explosives, the cannon was filled 
with mud. R. A. Ross had been touching it off. Josiah 
Boyce, a bright student in preparation for the ministry, 
took the match. Ross stepped back. There was a terri- 
ble explosion by the bursting of the cannon. A great 
wedge passed over Ross's head and ploughed the field. 
Josiah Boyce and Andy Patton were killed. 

"Now, truly here we stand in awe before the wisdom 
and foreordination that shapes our ends. That fifty 
years pastorate was written on the invisible canvas with 
which angels tented Patton's old field that clay and they 
read their charge : Bear him up in your hands ; take 
that match out of his hands ; he is the man of destiny. 
Let the other fall and his life go out." Dr. E. E. Boyce 
at semi-centennial of his pastorate. Spending two years 
he graduated at Jefferson, Pa., 1840, and after a course 
of divinity under Dr. James Boyce and at Erskine, was 
licensed by the First Presbytery Nov. 30, 1842, ordained 
by same and installed pastor of Sharon, Smyrna and 
Olivet, York Co., S. C, Dec. 6, 1843. A t "Briar Patch" 
on Queen's Road, a great crowd usually spent the Sab- 
bath playing "shinney" and other desecrating games. 
With the leaders he reasoned and induced them to aban- 
don it. Thus convincing their will and appealing 
to their better nature many of them were his fast friends 
through life. 

He threw all the ardor of his giant mind and strong 
character into preaching and pastoral work, taking an 
active part in whatever questions came up in Presbytery 
or Synod, being Moderator of the latter 185 1 and 1872, 

July 28, 1846, he married Miss Nancy E. Kennedy. 
This tie being sundered by death he contracted a second 
marriage with Miss Naomi Caldwell, September, 1854. 
Her death occurred 1891. 

Smyrna being demitted April 20, 1852, and Revs. J. 
R. Castles and M. Oates serving as pastors, he was re- 



344 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



installed May 5, 1871. His text next Sabbath was: "I 
ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?" 
Olivet was disorganized some time after his ministry 
began and Smyrna was again demitted Sept. 29, 1890. 
Washington and Jefferson as also Erskine conferred 
D. D. in 1874. Synod commissioned Drs. James Boyce, 
R. A. Ross, J. I. Bonner, Prof. J. P. Kennedy and Gen. 
P. H. Bradley to meet a similar committee of the United 
Presbyterian Church on co-operative missions and union. 
They met in Baltimore, December, 1875. 

The commencement of Washington and Jefferson, 
1890, marked the semi-centennial of his graduation. 
Invited he participated in the class re-union. 

But another semi-centennial was drawing near as this 
veteran of the cross was battling with disease. Laid 
aside some time from active duty his people would not 
hear of his demittal. The Synod met Oct. 19-24, at 
Sharon, to join his people in surveying half a century's 
pastorate. We found him nearing the shore, the land 
birds lighting on his craft. It falls to the lot of few as 
Drs. Thompson and Ross to serve one people continu- 
ously fifty years. In these days of itching ears it is a 
credit to both minister and people. 

The afternoon session of Friday, Oct. 20, was devoted 
to a service unwitnessed before with this programme : 
Poem by Rev. I. G. McLaughlin, Historical Address by 
Dr. E. E. Boyce, Open Letter from George Earle, L. L. 
D., Washington, D. C, a classmate, Address in behalf 
of the Synod by Dr. W. M. Grier. Lingering till Nov. 
25, 1903 the summons came for this brave, loyal and 
valiant soldier to lay his armour down after 51 years 
service less 5 days. 

Dr. Ross was far above the average. Possessed of a 
vigorous and well cultivated mind had he chosen law the 
judge's bench would logically have been his. If States- 
manship, Congress would have resounded with that 
stentorian voice, ready utterance, dignified language, 



i 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 345 

compass of thought and logical acumen of which he was 
master. As a debater and clear reasoner he had no equal 
in Synod, cool, calm and deliberate under the most excit- 
ing questions. If Synod had needed a supreme court 
judge unanimous consent would have invested him with 
the ermine. These powers of body and mind he laid on 
the altar of God's glory and circumscribed them within 
the sphere of his convictions and Church. 

What a pity says the short sighted, as the Egyptians 
of Moses, to bury such talent ! But touching and in- 
fluencing by his orthodox leadership three generations, 
he is greater, more far reaching in influence than R. A. 
Ross another Thomas Benton thirty years in the United 
States Senate. 

Sharp, Washington Marion. — Son of Robert Clem- 
mers Sharp and Esther Hawthorn, was born November 
18, 1821, near Due West, Abbeville Co., S, C. Until 
grown he went to school in the home neighborhood, then 
to Rev. J. S. Pressly, until Erskine College was estab- 
lished. In 1845 ne went to college in Oxford, Ohio. 

He graduated at the University of Indiana. He joined 
the Church at Due West, S. C. Began the study of 
theology under the direction of the Second Presbytery 
about 1846 in the Theological Seminary, and was 
licensed to preach by the Second Presbytery in the spring 
of 1848 at Generostee church, Anderson County, S. C. 
Was ordained at Due West by the same Presbytery and 
sent to Texas as a missionary in 1849. 

The Synod of 1848 ordered him to missionate a few 
Sabbaths each at Dalton's and in Bradley, Monroe, 
Blount, Knox, Washington and Sullivan Counties, 
Tenn., and Washington Co., Va. The first of these 
were included in what was termed in a general way the 
"bounds" of the Tennessee Presbytery. The Synod of 
'51 and '52 continued him as missionary to Texas, of 
which Burnham was a center, and required to visit other 



346 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



points in the State which might be inviting. He was 
poorly paid by Synod for his services in this difficult 
work as her missionary, and he labored under many 
discouragements. 

In the report presumably of the Second Presbytery to 
Synod of 1853, it is stated he was given a certificate 
to join another Church. In 1861 he entered the war as 
a private in Orr's Regiment. 

Some time in the '70's he removed to Texas. When 
and where he died is not known. 



Sept., 1 901, and was received as a student of theology 
by the First Presbytery, at King's Mountain, N. C, May 
7th, 1902, and was licensed by the First Presbytery at 
Charlotte, N. C, May, 1903. He is at present stated 
supply at Concord and Bessemer City. 

Simpson, John H. — The subject of this article de- 
scended from Sarah Wylie and John Simpson. In Ches- 
ter Co., S. C, he was born in 1834. Spending five years 
at Erskine College without missing a recitation or a roll 
call, he well earned his diploma in 1856. He says him- 




J. W. SIMPSON. 



Simpson John Walter. — 
Rev. J. W. Simpson is the 
son of Dr. Isaiah Simpson 
and Sallie Patton, and was 
born in Charlotte, N. C, 
July 1 2th, 1876. He was 
prepared for college at the 
Presbyterian High School 
at Rock Hill, S. C, and 
at the Charlotte Military 
Institute, and entered Er- 
skine College, Sept., 1897, 
completing his course with 
the class of 1901. He en- 
tered Erskine Seminary 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



347 




J. H. SIMPSON. 



self : "Studied Theology 
three years in Due West. 
Commenced Hebrew and 
Violin music at the same 
time and have kept up the 
study of both since, but I 
do not expect to make a 
finish of either till I get to 
heaven." The First Pres- 
bytery commissioned him 
as a probationer Sept. 6th, 
1859. The next year his 
missionary labors being 
divided between the First 
and Kentucky Presbyte- 



ries, he was sent in Oct., i860, to New Lebanon, West 
Virginia. Friday, April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter was bom- 
barded. Very soon after, as himself says, "became a non- 
commissioned chaplain, surgeon, nurse and undertaker in 
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and 
Tennessee." After the war he resumed the pulpit and 
supplied vacancies. Reinforced by a most worthy help- 
meet, Miss Elizabeth Moffatt of Chester Co., S. C, May 
8th, 1866, he began stated labors at New Lebanon, West 
Virginia, June 2nd, 1867. The First Presbytery or- 
dained him Oct. 24th, 1867. He continued as stated 
supply of this Virginia charge till August 28th, 1869, 
when he was installed pastor. 

For a quarter of a century he labored in this field, going 
in and out, preaching in outlying and destitute districts. 

Two interesting events of wide spread interest occurred 
at Lebanon during his pastorate. At the meeting of 
Synod with this church August i5-20th, '78, Synod 
inaugurated her Independent Mission in Mexico. The 
other event was a ten days meeting, August 29th, 1889, 
held by Rev. W. W. Orr, in which fifty-seven professed 
conversion. 



348 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



This charge was demitted Oct. 3rd, 1891. Removing 
to Huntersville, N. C, he did mission work in the First 
Presbytery. A call was made for his services as Prin- 
cipal of Hickory Grove Academy, S. C. After complet- 
ing this contract he labored for a time in Kentucky and 
Texas. 

When an orphanage was opened at Hickory Grove 
all eyes were turned to him, and well has he filled the 
post. 

Remarkably cool, calm and patient, his habits were 
plain, his information minute. He was never guilty of 
copying any man. His motions in church courts, his 
methods of expression, his sallies of wit, his means of 
reproof, his correspondence, social conversation — these 
all sparkled with originality. To all these was always 
added a chaste Christian speech, a devotion and love for 
his Church, a pure life and a personal piety. 

Sloan, Archibald Strong. — Was born in Newberry, S. 
C, Dec. 8, 182 1, and was a son of James Sloan and Jane 
Thompson. He graduated at Erskine College, Due 
West, S. C, in 1844. He joined the church at Cannon's 
Creek while a child, was received as a student of Theol- 
ogy by the Second Presbytery in the autumn of 1844, 
and prosecuted his studies at Erskine Theological Sem- 
inary. Was licensed by Rev. J. L. Young, at Due West, 
S. C, September 17, 1846. 

His field of ministerial labor was the Associate Re- 
formed Presbyterian Churches in Lincoln Co., Tenn., and 
for 43 years he did efficient service for the Master in that 
part of the vineyard. Such is the very brief summary of 
a life dedicated to God, whose work still lives in the 
lives of many of the sons and daughters of the com- 
munity where was the scene of his earthly ministry. He 
preached the Gospel with great power — was a fluent 
speaker, and a man of strong intellect. Many will recall 
his famous "White Horse" sermon which he repeated 
again and again by request. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 349 

Mr. Sloan was married to Elizabeth Jane Stewart, 
daughter of James and Margaret Stewart. She was 
born Nov. 21, 1828. She bore him seven children and 
died Dec. 2, 1894. He died April 27, 1893. 

Sloan, James Alexander. — Son of John Sloan and 
Eliza Martin, was born in Fairfield Co., S. C, Oct. 6, 
1817. His early educational opportunities were very 
good, and he graduated from Erskine College, August 9, 
1842. 

He was received as a student of theology by the 

Presbytery, studied at Erskine Theological Seminary 
and was licensed to preach Sept. 24, 1844. He moved 
to Marshall Co., Miss., Nov. 1, 1845, an d became pastor 
of Mt. Carmel church April 19, 1846, and preached there 
one half his time till 1862, when war broke up the 
regular services. He was married to Miss Sarah Ann, 

daughter of Moffatt and Jane Moffatt. She was 

born in Chester Co., S. C, Dec. 28, 1827, removed with 
her parents to Benton Co., Ala., thence to Marshall Co., 
Miss., in 1844. She was married April 22, 1846, and 
died in Corinth, Miss., March 1, 1893. She was the 
mother of nine children. 

Mr. Sloan with his family united with the Southern 
Presbyterian Church in April, 1866, removed to Corinth 
in 1892, and there he died suddenly May 31, 1894. 

He was a good Greek and Hebrew scholar, and a 
strong theological debater. For many years was As- 
sociate Editor of the "Due West Telescope'' and while 
he lived often contributed to the religious press. Two 
sons and three daughters survive him. 

Mr. Sloan was the author of a book entitled, "Is 
Slavery a Sin in Itself." 

Sloan, Rev. T. W. — The subject of this sketch is a 
native of Lincoln Co., Tenn. His father was Rev. A. S. 
Sloan, for many years an honored minister of our church. 



350 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Bro. T. W. Sloan attended the schools of his neigh- 
borhood and in due time was fitted for Erskine College, 
which he entered in 1884. He graduated with the class 
of 1886, entered Erskine Theological Seminary, finish- 
ing his course at Princeton. In May, 1890, he was 
settled as pastor over Troy congregation and served as 
pastor about five years. He was called to Charlotte, 
and served this church for a short time, returning to 
Troy, he remained until 1900, when he took charge of 
the mission at Abbeville and served that church for about 
two years. Receiving a call to the First Presbyterian 
Church in Greenville, he received a certificate to connect 
with the Presbytery of Ennoree and is now a promin- 
ent minister of that body in South Carolina. 

Sloan, Henry Thomp- 
son, D. D. — In the bounds 
of Cannon Creek congrega- 
tion, Newberry Co., S. C, 
Rev. H. T. Sloan, D. D., 
first saw the light, on the 
25th of May, 1823. His 
parents were James Sloan 
and Jane Thompson. The 
father was an elder in 
Cannon Creek church, and 
his son Thompson was 
carefully and piously rear- 
ed. His early education 
was obtained in the schools 
near his home, and when seventeen years of age he en- 
tered Erskine, along with Rev. D. W. Reid. His father 
furnished him provisions from home, and for a time he 
boarded himself, hiring a servant to do his cooking. He 
completed his course in 1846. He then entered Erskine 
Seminary, graduating in 1848, and was licensed in Sep- 
tember of the same year by the Second Presbytery, at 
Generostee, Anderson Co., S. C. 




T. SLOAN 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 351 

His missionary labors were extensive throughout the 
Western churches and lasted for two years. He received 
a call from Cedar Springs and Long Cane and was 
installed as pastor over these congregations October 
29th, 1850. His pastorate was a long and fruitful one. 
He never had but one charge and for forty years he 
labored among his people, loving them and being loved 
in return. What a tribute to a pastor's faithfulness and 
to a congregation's loyalty is a forty-years work among 
the same people. As one has said of Dr. Sloan: "He 
tenderly bore in his arms the lambs of the flock placing 
upon their young brows the seal of the covenant of bap- 
tism, and when these had grown to the estate of man- 
hood and womanhood he united them in the holy bonds 
of wedlock with pious admonition, and when later on 
the Reaper, came as he so often did, with sickle keen 
and reaped the bearded grain, in melting tones and more 
melting words he consigned them to their last resting 
place." Dr. Sloan was a most earnest and eloquent 
minister of the Gospel. He had a commanding presence, 
and a voice clear and musical, most pleasant to the ear, 
his sermons were very full of the Scriptures and he was 
especially strong in his appeals to the sinner, being apt 
to present the Gospel with great persuasiveness and 
tenderness. His preaching was essentially evangelistic, 
and he excelled in special meeting designed to reach the 
unconverted. It was the writer's privilege to hear him 
frequently at Due West in Communion meetings, when 
he would assist the pastor, Dr. W. L. Pressly, and often 
have we been stirred by his powerful and affectionate 
calls to those out of Christ. His ministry was eminently 
successful, both in his own churches and also when con- 
ducting meetings for others. 

For a time during the Civil War Dr. Sloan was chap- 
lain of Orr's Regiment. He was most popular among 
the men, but on account of failing health, he was forced 
to leave his regiment before the close of the struggle. 



352 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Dr. Sloan was one of the pioneers in city mission work. 
In 1854 he was sent to Nashville, Tenn., to open up 
work, and succeeded in organizing a church, which, 
however, only had a temporary existence. In 1874 he 
was sent to Charlotte and organized a church in that 
city, and our present flourishing work there is due in 
part to his beginnings, a day, indeed, of small things, but 
one full of promise and success to the faith and hope of 
Dr. Sloan. He was one who planned great things for 
the Church, and had great confidence in her future. 

One of the marked features in the life of Dr. Sloan 
was his faithful attendance upon the meetings of Presby- 
tery and Synod. He missed possibly only one meeting of 
each court in a ministry of forty years. He was also 
very punctual in attendance upon the sessions of the 
Board of Trustees of Erskine College, and the com- 
mencement of the two colleges. He received his degree 
of D. D. from Erskine College. On account of failing 
health he gave up his charge in the year 1890, but con- 
tinued to preach till about a month before his death, 
which resulted from paralysis of the brain at his home 
near Cedar Springs, Feb. 13th, 1894. His monument 
in marble stands in front of the church. 

Dr. Sloan's family life was very happy, although he 
had no children. He was married to Miss Josephine E. 
Kerr, daughter of Jennings B. Kerr and Jane Walkup, 
in Charlotte, N. C, Jan. 2nd, 185 1. She shared with him 
the joys and trials of his ministry, and was a most in- 
telligent helpmeet. She frequently attended with the 
Dr. church meetings and commencements, and was al- 
ways much interested in ecclesiastical and educational 
matters. Her home is still at Cedar Springs, where she 
enjoys a green old age with her nephew, Mr. Kerr. 
Dr. Sloan at his death left a considerable bequest to the 
Church. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 353 



Smith, Nat Erskine.— Rev. N. E. Smith is the son of 
G. L. Smith and Margaret E. Jamison, and was born at 
Coddle Creek, N. C, Aug 22nd, 1878. He was pre- 
pared for college at the Coddle Creek Academy, and 
graduated at Erskine College. He entered the Seminary 
at Erskine in Sept., 1902, and was received as a student 
of theology by the First Presbytery at Charlotte, N. C, 
May, 1903, and is pursuing his studies at Erskine Semi- 
nary. 

Smith, Rev. John An- 
drew. — Son of O. N. and 
E. A. Smith, was born 
June 23, 1865, in Alexan- 
der Co., N. C, but was 
reared in Iredell Co. In 
Elk Shoals Academy he 
came under the influence of 
Rev. W. B. Pressly, who 
first excited in him a desire 
to preach the gospel. He 
received his education at 
Huntersville, N. C, and 
in Erskine College. In 

J. A. SMITH. & 

June, 1893, he graduated 
from Erskine Theological Seminary, and was licensed 
by the First Presbytery in Charlotte, N. C, April 5, 
1893. He spent three months the same year, by direc- 
tion of the Board of Home Missions, preaching in Little 
Rock and Russellville, Ark. He was ordained by the 
First Presbytery and installed pastor of White Oak, S. 
C, Nov. 24, 1893. He labored here six years ; was in- 
stalled pastor of Ebenezer and Wrens, Ga., Dec. 6, 1899. 
This relation was dissolved April 12, 1902, and he was 
"nstalled pastor of Russellville, Ark., church, April 21. 

He was married August 21, 1895, to Miss Sallie E. 
Patrick, youngest daughter of J. R. and S. N. Patrick 
23 




354 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

of White Oak, S. C. She graduated from the Due West 
Female College in 1886. 

Mr. Smith has marked gifts as a pastor, preacher and 
evangelist. 

Spruce, William Wilson. — Son of John Spruce and 
Jane Wilson, was born in Newberry, S. C, in 1827. His 
father died in South Carolina, and when but a child, his 
mother, two brothers and three sisters emigrated to 
Tennessee and settled in Bedford County in 1830. He 
was the youngest of seven children. 

He obtained a common school education at the coun- 
try schools, and also went to Viney Grove, Lincoln Co., 
Tenn., in 1846, and joined the Church at Bethel, Tenn., 
while at school there. He graduated from Erskine Col- 
lege about 1853. He married Miss Eveline McNease in 
Wilcox Co., Ala., and nine children were born to them. 

After the Civil War he moved to Louisiana, on the 
Red River. There his wife and three children died. He 
then went up into Arkansas. Here he appears to have 
joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was 
also married here the second time. 

Where he studied theology, when, where, by what 
Presbytery licensed and ordained is not stated, and the 
only record of his preaching we have is while teaching 
at Orrville, Ala., sometime in the fifties. He is said to 
have preached occasionally. 

Stewart, Rev. Ebenezer Pressly. — Son of Samuel and 
Rebecca Stewart was born in the bounds of Generostee 
congregation, S. C, the 27th of Sept., 1838. When he 
was five years old, the family moved to Tippah Co., Miss. 
In early life he became a cripple from "white swelling." 
Educated in Ebenezer Academy, under Rev. J. L. 
McDaniel and Mr. J. C. Irwin, he chose the profession 
of school teaching. He married Miss Mary Frances 
Owen, of Tippah Co., Miss., Dec. 2, 1858. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



355 




E. 



P. 



STEWART. 



He taught school in 
Union Co., Miss., until 
1870, then at Ebenezer 
Academy in Tippah Co., 
ten years. He then taught 
in Milam and other coun- 
ties in Texas. In 1854 he 
joined Ebenezer church in 
Mississippi, and in the ear- 
ly '6o's his thoughts began 
to turn to the ministry. 
In 1884 the Texas Presby- 
tery received him as a 
student of divinity. He 
studied privately under 



members of the Presbytery and was licensed May 22, 
1886. He was ordained, sine titulo, by the same Presby- 
tery, May 11, 1889. He preached two years and taught 
school at Lamar. With the consent of his Presbytery 
he located in Greer Co., Okla., and the 1st Sabbath in 
May, 1890, he began preaching once a month in Pleas- 
ant Point school house. The 25th of the following De- 
cember he organized Hermon Church. He supplied this 
church till January, 1902. 

Stewart, Thomas Bonner. — Was born Aug. 20th, 1857, 
near MofTattsville, in Anderson Co., S. C. His father 
was John Wylie Stewart, his mother's maiden name was 
Miss Eleanor Black. He received his early education 
from the common schools near his home. 

He graduated from Erskine College in 1884. He 
joined the Church at Generostee in Anderson Co., S. C. 
He was received as a student of theology by Second 
Presbytery in 1884, at Due West. Studied theology in 
Erskine Theological Seminary, and was licensed by the 
same Presbytery April, 1886, at Ora, S. C. He was 
ordained in November, 1887, at Coddle Creek by the 



356 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



First Presbytery. He began his ministerial labors at 
Mooresville and Coddle Creek. He served these 
churches from 1887 until 1891. From then until 1893 
he labored under the direction of the Home Board in 
the Kentucky and other Presbyteries. In 1893 ne went 
to Arkansas, where he labored until 1899. I n that y ear 
he became stated supply at Doraville, Antioch and New 
Hope in De Kalb Co., Ga., and continued there until 

1902. In January, 1903, he began work at Back Creek 
and Prosperity in Mecklenburg Co., N. C. 

He was installed as pastor of Perth, Coddle Creek and 
Mooresville in November, 1887. And over Shady 
Grove and Hickory Springs, Arkansas, in October, 
1899, and was called at Back Creek and Prosperity in 
January, 1903. He married Miss Annie I. Lathan at 
Due West Oct. 27th, 1887. Her parents were Dr. 
Robert and Mrs. Fannie B. Lathan. She was born in 
Yorkville, S. C, May 23rd, 1865, and died March 15th, 

1903. They had four children. 



Miss Macie Permelia 
Stevenson is the youngest child of the late Robert Mur- 
dock Stevenson and the late Margaret Rebecca Hartin, 




MISS STEVENSON. 



Stevenson, Miss Macie 
Permelia. — The lot of the 
subject of this sketch has 
been cast at Tampico, on 
the Gulf Coast of the 
Mexican Republic. and 
notwithstanding the ex- 
cessive heat, the length of 
the season and the treach- 
ery of the climate, she is 
prosecuting her work with 
skill and vigor, and the 
fruit will be far-reaching 
and we trust abundant. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



357 



and is at this writing in the fulness of her womanhood, 
having come upon the stage of life at Albion, Fairfield 
County, South Carolina, near New Hope Church, on 
Nov. ioth, 1872. She is a decendant of the Scotch- 
Irish, of which South Carolina is noted. In disposition 
she was cheery, gentle, affectionate and notably pious. 
She made a public profession of her faith about the age 
of twelve years, and was received as a member at New 
Hope church, under the pastorate of Dr. R. G. Miller. 

Her earlier education was obtained in the country 
schools of her section, and, being studious, her progress 
in her school duties was above the average. She 
received her later training at Due West Female College 
and graduated with the class of 1890. 

At an early age the missionary spirit seems to have 
found a lodgment in her heart, and from a child she 
would say that she expected to be a missionary. On the 
first Sabbath of November, 1878, a few days before 
completing her sixth birthday, the first missionary to 
Mexico visited New Hope, and presented the cause of 
the Mexican Mission. Her contribution to this new 
work of the Church was a silver dollar, which she per- 
sonally handed the missionary in childlike simplicity 
and modesty. It may have been the planting of the mis- 
sionary seed then that has developed into her beautiful 
ly devoted, missionary life. 

After graduating, she taught school for a short while, 
and in December, 1890, was appointed to the Mexican 
field. Several months were spent in special study at Due 
West, S. C, and in November, 1891, she left home and 
native country to teach in a girl's school at Tampico, 
Mex. She arrived in Mexico in December, 1891, and 
about one year was spent in the study of the Spanish 
language, in which she made rapid progress. Some 
years previous Dr. Pressly had bought for The Depart- 
ment of Woman's Work suitable property for a school. 
The house was made ready and equipped for a school and 



358 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



on the 1 6th of Jan., 1893, the Juarez Seminary for girls 
was formally opened with Dr. Neill E. Pressly as Prin- 
cipal and Misses Boyce and Stevenson co-teachers. Af- 
ter the first few months the school grew in favor, and 
Miss Stevenson has given her energies for the past ten 
years to the intellectual, moral and spiritual training 
of the girls that have come under her direction and in- 
fluence. As a teacher she is thorough in her work, she 
is firm in discipline yet affectionate, and is beloved by 
her pupils. Neither pleasure nor comforts, nor friends 
nor anything else, can detract from her school duties and 
Christian work. Through the school and the pupils, 
she has an entrance into families that are not easily 
reached by the preacher, and a part of every week is 
spent in the from house to house work for which work 
she has peculiar adaptation. 

Being a good musician, she has been prominent in 
the congregational singing of Christ's Church at Tam- 
pico. She is an active Avorker in the Sabbath School, 
having charge of the large class of little children. In 
the Juvenile Endeavor Society she has almost the entire 
direction of this branch of Christian work. In the day 
school and Sabbath School and in all the Church's work 
she takes a lively interest. 

Miss Stevenson is a young woman of thirty years of 
age, with consecrated zeal in her work, possessing 
superior qualifications for the work, blessed with ex- 
traordinary opportunities for exercising her gifts, and 
the prayer is that God will preserve her as a useful 
instrument for His Church, crown her earnest efforts 
with success, and, at last, her soul with the radiance of 
eternal glory at God's right hand. Amen. 

Stevenson, Robert Milton. — Rev. R. M. Stevenson was 
born in the bounds of New Hope congregation, Fair- 
field Co., S. C, Nov. 20th, i860, and is the son of Rob- 
ert Murdock Stevenson and Rebecca Margaret Hartin. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



359 



He, together with nine 
other young men of New 
Hope, was prepared for 
college by Rev. H. M. 
Henry, D. D., who was 
then a recent graduate of 
Erskine College. Mr. 
Stevenson graduated from 
Erskine College in 1877, 
and spent a year in teach- 
ing in Edgefield Co., S. C. 

In Oct., 1878, he entered 
Erskine Seminary, and 
rev. r. m. stevenson. was received as a student 

of theology by the Second 
Presbytery at Head Springs, Newberry Co ; S. C, in 
April, 1879. After graduating in the Seminary, he was 
licensed Sept. 6th, 1880, by the First Presbytery, at Beth- 
any, York Co., S. C. 

After preaching for a few months at Winnsboro, and 
Brick Church in South Carolina, he went to Virginia, 
and was ordained by the Virginia Presbytery April 
22nd, 1882. For several years he was stated supply at 
Ebenezer and Bethel, and Broad Creek, Va., and was 
pastor of Ebenezer and Bethel from April, 1884, until 
April, 1886. At this time he demitted his Virginia 
charge and returned to South Carolina and was stated 
supply at Bethany and Kings Mountain during the sum- 
mer and winter of 1886, until the spring of 1887. At 
this time he was called to Bethany, and was installed 
pastor at Bethany, May 13th, 1887, for one half his time. 
On November 5th, 1892, he was installed pastor of 
Crowder's Creek for one fourth his time, and on No- 
vember 3rd, 1893, he was installed pastor of Clover for 
one fourth his time. Mr. Stevenson still continues pas- 
tor of these churches, and under his care they are pros- 
pering. He was the Moderator of the Synod at its 




3 6o 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



meeting at Rosemark, Tenn., November, 1901, and was 
for a time the Associate Editor of cc Our Young People," 
the organ of the Young Peoples Societies, and since 
January, 1903, he has been the Editor of the "A. R. P. 

Quarterly," . 

Mr. Stevenson was married Oct. 26th, 1881, to Miss 
Emma L. Christian of Due West, S. C. Mrs. Stevenson 
is the daughter of Thomas M. Christian and Mary A. 
Padgett, and was born in Abbeville Co., S. C, April 1st, 
1859. Six children have blessed the home of these ser- 
vants of the Lord. 



ber of years of a good school conducted by Prof. R. E. 
Robinson. Mr. Strong attended this school and was 
here prepared for Erskine College. He graduated in 
1900 and received his A. M. degree after a course of 
study, in 1902. 

While only twelve years of age he connected with the 
Church, his mind was directed to the ministry, and in 
the fall after his graduation from college he entered 
Erskine Seminary. He was received as a student of 
theology by the Second Presbytery April 12, 1901, at Iva, 




Strong, Rev. Edgar El- 
lis. — Rev. E. E. Strong, the 
present pastor of the Dora- 
ville group of churches, 
was born at Atoka, Tip- 
ton Co., Tennessee, Feb- 
ruary 1 6th, 1876. His 
father was Rev. James 
Hemphill Strong, the pas- 
tor of Salem church, and 
his mother was Hibernia 
Ellis Strong. The Salem 
community has enjoyed 
the advantage for a num- 



E. E. STRONG. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Anderson Co., S. C, and was licensed at Wrens, Ga., 
April 15th, 1902. Was ordained at Doraville, Ga., Sept. 
18, 1902, and installed over the DeKalb Co. churches, 
having previously been called. Mr. Strong spent three 
months in the fall of 1902 in Allegheny Theological 
Seminary by leave of his congregations. The work at 
Doraville has taken on new life since his settlement, and 
the prospects in his field of labor are now most 
promising. 



1 



Will,, 




Strong, James Hemphill, 
— Was a son of John and 
Martha Strong, and was 
born in Chester Co. ; S. C, 
May 14, 1827. When about 
ten years of age he re- 
moved with his father's 
family to Tipton Co., 
Tenn., and settled in the 
' f bounds of Salem church. 
Though at this early pe- 
riod good schools were 
not numerous, this com- 
munity was fortunate in 
having some excellent 
teachers. Mrs. John Wilson taught in the neighborhood, 
and Prof. James Holmes at the Mountain Academy. 
Rev. E. E. Boyce also taught in this section, and it was 
Mr. Strong's privilege to attend school under each of 
these instructors. He entered Erskine College, and 
graduated from that institution in August, 1854. Ten 
years before, July 17, 1844, he joined the church at Sa- 
lem, Tenn. He was received as a student of Theology, 
at Salem, Tenn., by the Memphis Presbytery, May 4, 

1855- 

He entered Erskine Theological Seminary in the fall 
of 1855, having previously prosecuted his studies under 



J. H. STRONG. 



362 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

the Rev. John Wilson. He was licensed by the Memphis 
Presbytery October 7, 1856, at Hopewell, Union Co., 
Miss., and by the same Presbytery was ordained Nov. 
21, 1857. 

During the winter of 1856 he labored in Drew and 
Hempstead Counties, Arkansas, and the following sum- 
mer in Lafayette Co., Miss., where he was called to the 
pastorate of Shiloh church in 1857, an d continued as 
pastor there four years. In response to the call of Salem 
congregation as co-pastor (Rev. John Wilson being 
pastor) he demitted Shiloh, and came to Tipton Co., 
Tenn., in February, 1862. In the fall of 1865 the Rev. 
John Wilson tendered his resignation of Salem, which 
was reluctantly accepted by the congregation, and in 
May, 1866, a call was extended Mr. Strong and he was 
installed pastor of Salem in September, 1866. This was 
the beginning of a long and useful pastorate — continu- 
ing until his death in '91, nearly 30 years. The congre- 
gation grew in numbers and prospered. In 1885, 
toward the close of his life, it is recorded that more than 
40 persons united with the church during a single meet- 
ing. "He had the pen of a ready writer and the faculty 
of expressing his ideas perspicuously. In 1886 he pub- 
lished in a pamphlet a history of Salem church, and 
since that a sermon on the 'Law of the Tithe' preached 
before the Memphis Presbytery and published by request 
of the Presbytery." His sermons were carefully pre- 
pared, and written in full and preached from manuscript. 
His words were weighty and earnest, for he was 
"mighty in the Scriptures." He was a safe, judicious 
counsellor, a faithful and devoted pastor, a worthy 
citizen, and a noble type of Christian manhood. He 
died August 18, 1891, and his body sleeps in the grave- 
yard at Salem within a few feet of the pulpit where for 
nearly 30 years he preached the "unsearchable riches 
of Christ." 

He was married near Due West, S. C, August 14, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



363 



1854, to Hibernia Agnes Ellis, daughter of John Lindsay 
Ellis and Mahala Ellis. She was born near Due West, 
S. C, Sept. 18, 1833, and is still living at the old home 
near Salem. Eight children were born to them, four of 
whom are living. John L., who died recently, became a 
practicing physician, and Edgar E., is the present pastor 
of the Doraville, Ga., A. R. P. Church. Miss Addie is a 
Peabody graduate, and a teacher in the public schools 
of the county, C. Grier is a graduate in pharmacy, and 
Wm. J. is a farmer and efficient elder of Salem church. 

Strong, Charles. — Son of James and Letitia Strong, 
born in Chester Co., S. C, Aug. 4, 1788. His mother 
was a sister of Christopher Strong, of Tennessee, a lib- 
eral benefactor of Erskine College. Piously trained, of 
a bright mind, his parents resolved to fit him for higher 
service in the church. He entered Monticello Academy, 
Fairfield Co., S. C, under Rev. James Rogers. Then he 
entered S. C. University, Jan. 10, 1805, her opening 
day, and graduated 1808, in a class of 31. Straitened 
in means, he and two classmates, Revs. Joseph and Jas. 
Lowry, boarded themselves, furnishing their own provis- 
ion and doing their own cooking. This did not deter 
them from arduous study and honorable graduation. 

Three years were now spent in Newberry Academy, 
in a very successful school where many were prepared 
for honorable positions on the Bench and at the Bar. 

He repaired in the autumn of 181 1 to the Associate 
Reformed Seminary in New York City, under Rev. J. 
M. Mason, D. D., and spent four years. On his return 
the First Presbytery licensed him July 13, 181 5. Having 
labored in the vacancies a short time, the same court or- 
dained and installed him pastor over the united con- 
gregations of Cannon Creek, Kings Creek and Pros- 
perity, Newberry County, South Carolina. In the 
pulpit he was free from anything like pharisaic aus- 
terity on the one hand, and levity on the other, his 



I 



364 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

appearance was solemn and impressive. Possessing 
a voice clear, soft and harmonious, he was always heard 
with interest. Deeply impressed with a sense of the great 
importance of holding fast the truth as it is in Jesus, he 
determined in the exercise of his ministry not to know 
anything save Jesus Christ and him crucified, — hence his 
preaching was not of that character which is adapted to 
amuse the curious ; but which is suited rather to alarm the 
careless, to encourage the anxious inquirer, to comfort the 
mourner in Zion, and to build up the believer in faith 
and holiness. As a preacher he never pretended to the 
highest claims of eloquence. Although possessing great 
learning himself, he never sought to array his sermon 
with its pedantry. He sought to save men not by terror 
but by love. 

But well qualified as this godly servant was, the Mas- 
ter called him, after eight years service, to exchange the 
earthly for the heavenly court. The messenger came 
to his home six miles from Newberry C. H., July 20, 
1824, and his remains lie covered with a marble slab, the 
loving tribute of devoted parishioners. He was distin- 
guished for his vigorous intellect and amiable manners, 
his unassuming and dignified deportment, his solid and 
extensive learning, his firm attachment to evangelical 
truth, his fervent and consistent piety. 

Feb. 13, 181 7, he was happily married to Nancy, 
daughter of Capt. John and Martha (Hunter) Harris, 
of York Co., S. C. She was a granddaughter of John 
Harris and Eleanor Reynolds, whom Dr. Thomas Clark 
married while he was unjustly in Monaghan jail, 1754. 
She was of singular excellence, distinguished for piety 
and prudence, and one admirably qualified for the im- 
portant station to which she was called. After Rev. 
Strong's death, she returned to Steele Creek, where her 
father provided her a home. Here she reared and edu- 
cated her son, the late J. Mason Strong, M. D., and her 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



365 



three daughters, and here, Nov. 8, 1842, she left them 
motherless. 

Taylor, Robert Fleming. — Was born in Laurens Co., 
S. C, Nov. 20th, 1822. His father was John Taylor, 
his mother Sarah Bryson. He enjoyed good educational 
opportunities. He graduated from Erskine College in 
1842. Immediately after he began the study of Theol- 
ogy at Due West. He was received as a student at 
Due West by the Second Presbytery. He was licensed 
Nov., 1845. H e was ordained in 1849, by First Presby- 
tery. His first ministerial work was done in the vacant 
churches in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. 
In 1849 he was called by Neely's Creek, York Co., S. C. 
Also by Gilead and Prosperity, N. C. He accepted the 
former, and was installed pastor the same year. He was 
married May 6th, 1846, in York Co., S. C, to Miss Isa- 
bella Virginia Pressly. Her father was Richard M. 
Pressly. Her mother's maiden name was Mary H. Bar- 
ron. She was born in York Co., S. C, Nov. 26th, 1826. 
They had three children She is still living. There were 
five, ministers in her father's family. Rev. R. F. Taylor 
was a chaplain in the Confederate army three years. He 
died June 16th, 1896. 

Thomas, Andrew. — Was received in 1854 by the Asso- 
ciate Church, served in that body and the U. P. Church 
in various pastorates in N. Y. ; joined the First Ohio 
A. R. P. Presbytery, Oct. 1867; supplied her vacancies 
until 1869, when he joined the Presbyterian church. 

Thompson, Horatio, D. D. — Near the banks of the 
beautiful Hudson, Washington Co., N. Y., there was 
born, April 1, 1799, an only son of Samuel and Mary 
(Howe) Thompson. With scant opportunities for pre- 
paratory education, though diligently improved, he grad- 
uated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., 1823, un- 



366 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

der the celebrated Dr. Nott. 
Having about finished a 
course qf law, his mind 
undergoing a change, the 
study of a higher science 
was begun under his pas- 
tor, Dr. Alexander Bul- 
lions, of Cambridge Asso- 
ciate church, and finished 
under Dr. Banks, of Phila- 
delphia. He became a 
probationer of the Cam- 
bridge Presbytery, July 10, 

rev. horatio Thompson, d. d. l828 - Mission work from 

Vermont to South Caro- 
lina was performed, his first tour through Virginia be- 
ing in Dec, 1828, when Old Providence first heard his 
voice. 

Other calls declined, he began stated labors at Old 
Providence, Augusta Co., and Ebenezer and Timber 
Ridge, Rockbridge Co., Va., Sept. 1, 1833. A call was 
made Oct. 2nd and his ordination and installation oc- 
curred March, 1834. About the first of November, 1846, 
Ebenezer was demitted that another pastoral charge 
might be formed with Broad Creek. Two-thirds time 
was then given to Old Providence and one-third to Tim- 
ber Ridge. 

During the early part of his ministry the unhappy de- 
liverances of his Synod depleted his Presbytery. About 
1840, he and Rev. John Patrick, Rev. Archibald Whyte 
declining, found it impossible to execute the law on 
slavery. Either they must leave these people in their so- 
called sins or fraternize with the First Presbytery. They 
chose the latter and formed this union at New Perth, 
N. C, April 16, 1844. This closed the history of the 
Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas. On the 15th of 
May, 1832, he chose as his life companion Miss Eliza 




SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Kinnear, of Timber Ridge Congregation. "She proved 
a gift indeed from the Lord. In her were verified the 
words of Solomon : 'Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good 
thing.' She was a jewel — a jewel of rare value; an af- 
fectionate wife and a loving mother.' " 

Though born, educated and licensed in N. Y., he 
was patriotic to his section and loyal to the land of his 
adoption. 

Himself highly cultured, he was a bright light and an 
admired companion among distinguished men. It is a 
high compliment to be elected a Trustee of Washington 
College, now W. & L. University, Lexington, Va. Yet 
for forty-one years, and to the day of his death he served 
in this capacity. He served also for a time as Prof, of 
Belles Lettres and Rhetoric. During the Presidency of 
Gen. R. E. Lee, it was his privilege to be on intimate 
terms with him, and often to dine at his table. Recog- 
nizing his ability, Erskine College conferred the title of 
D. D. in 1856. 

His Synod commissioned him to carry her greetings 
to the General Assembly Southern Presbyterian Church, 
1872, in Richmond, Va. 

In the fall of 1880, "the infirmities of age" compelled 
him to ask for an assistant pastor. Rev. S. W. Haddon 
began stated labors as assistant pastor Feb. 6th, 1881. 
After two days illness, the Master called him higher. 
The disease was pleuro-pneumonia. 

By mutual agreement, Rev. D. C. Irwin preached his 
funeral sermon. Revs. S. W. Haddon, R. M. Steven- 
son and Alfred Jones assisted, while Gen. Custiss Lee, 
Pres. W. & L. University, Profs. Nelson and Harris, 
with Elders Callison and Brown of Old Providence, were 
pall bearers. 

Dr. Thompson was cultured in literature, a Chester- 
field in manners and address, eloquent and commanding 
in the pulpit and had few equals in descriptive powers 
and brilliant imagination. Among the cultured and elo- 



368 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



quent ministers in the far famed valley of Virginia and 
classic Lexington, Dr. Thompson was the peer of any. 
He could approach a delicate subject with much tact, 
grace, dignity and power. His name is indelibly linked 
with the Virginia Presbytery. 

For 50 years he served his church, his day and his 
generation, with rare talent and eloquence. 

Thompson, John Andrew. — Son of Dr. H Thomp- 
son was born at historic Timber Ridge, Rockbridge Co., 
Va., July 10, 1837. Having spent some time in Wash- 
ington College, Lexington, Va., he graduated at Er- 
skine College, 1858. On the 22nd of Oct., 1867, he was 
happily married to Miss Eliza Ida Davenport, of Abing- 
don, Va. Later in life, after a course in divinity at Er- 
skine Seminary, he was licensed by the Second Presby- 
tery, April 8, 1893. That summer and fall he did mis- 
sion work in the First Presbytery, but later retired from 
active work and now resides at the old Thompson home- 
stead and is serving officially and devotedly Timber 
Ridge church. 

Todd, Rev. John McClintock, D. D. — Rev. Dr. Todd 
was a native of Laurens County, South Carolina, his 
birthplace near to the present station of Langford on the 
Charleston and Western Carolina R. R. He was born 
August 3rd, 1849, an d was the son of James Rogers and 
Jane McClintock Todd. 

His early educational advantages were good for his 
day; he attended the schools of his community and was 
prepared for Erskine, which he entered in due time, grad- 
uating in 1869. 

He joined the church early in life, under the ministry 
of Rev. D. F. Haddon, and turned his thoughts to the 
ministry upon his graduation. He entered Erskine Sem- 
inary in 1870, having previously connected with the Sec- 
ond Presbytery at Providence church; finishing his 
course, he was licensed at Newberry in 1872. He was 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



369 



soon called as pastor to Winnsboro, S. C, where he was 
ordained and installed soon after his licensure. For 
seven years he labored in this field, doing most acceptable 
and faithful work, when his health gave way and he was 
forced to resign. 

After leaving the pastorate, he did some missionary 
work for a time in Louisville, Ky. ; he then removed to 
Due West, and was assistant editor of the A. R. Pres- 
byterian. In the summer of 1883, he was elected to the 
chair of Latin and French in Erskine College. He 
brought to his professorship in the college the same en- 
ergy and zeal which he had shown in the work of the 
ministry. His scholarship was unquestioned and he was 
able to impart readily his knowledge to others. He soon 
won the admiration and respect of the students, and it is 
safe to say that there was never more thorough and suc- 
cessful work done in the Latin department than during 
the term of Dr. Todd's professorship. After serving the 
college about ten years, he was forced again to give up 
work on account of failing health, and on August 25th, 
1893, in the 45th year of his life, he was called from his 
earthly labors to his reward. As a preacher, Dr. Todd 
ranked among the first. Flis discourses were scriptural, 
logical and full of unction. He had a splendid grasp of 
the Calvinistic system of theology and could enforce the 
doctrines of our holy religion with great power. In his 
delivery, he was full of earnestness, his prayers and his 
preaching were pervaded by a tone of deep spirituality, 
and no one could listen to him without being impressed 
with him, as a man of God. From what has been said, 
it is easy to see that his work was blessed wherever he 
labored. 

Dr. Todd was twice married, first to Miss Alice Brice, 
of New Hope, S. C, daughter of Mr. John A. Brice. 
There were seven children born to her, of which only 
two daughters survive. She departed this life in 1885. 
His second was Miss Belle McClung, of Timber Ridge, 
Virginia, by whom he had no issue. 
24 



3/0 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




C. E. TODD. 



Todd, Rev. Charles Ed- 
ward. — Rev. Charles E. 
Todd's birthplace was near 
to the present site of 
Langford, in Laurens Co., 
S. C, within the bounds of 
Bethel congregation. He 
was the son of James 
Rogers Todd and Jane 
Law McClintock, and was 
born October 23 rd, 1862. 
In childhood he attended 
the common schools near 
him, but on his father's re- 
moval to Due West, he 



entered Erskine College, graduating from that institution 
in the year 1881. 

He entered Erskine Seminary in the fall of that year, 
having previously joined the Second Presbytery. He 
was licensed April 6th, 1883, at Due West, S. C, sent to 
Doraville, Ga., was called by that congregation, and set- 
tled as pastor, May 17, 1884. His work was greatly 
blessed in this field. The congregation had been in a 
dormant condition for some time, but took on new life 
under Bro. Todd's energetic and consecrated labors. He 
remained in this field until November, 1887, when the 
Board of Missions called upon him to take up the work 
in Charlotte, N. C. If his work at Doraville had been 
eminently successful, much more was it blessed in Char- 
lotte. This field at the time was recognized as one of 
the most difficult in Synod. For about fourteen years 
we had been trying to establish a church in Charlotte, 
but the enterprise was still regarded an experiment. 
A new building must be had, if the cause was to succeed. 
Bro. Todd took up the work, brimfull of energy and 
zeal. He made the matter a subject of earnest prayer, 
and it was not long until the church in Charlotte was 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



371 



growing and was self sustaining. An elegant house of 
worship was built on a very desirable lot, a parsonage 
was erected near by, and when Bro. Todd laid down the 
work in May, 1895, every one was ready to call him "a 
workman that needeth not to be ashamed." His health 
failed and he resigned his charge, having been elected to 
the Presidency of the Due West Female College. 

Taking up the work here, he continued his connection 
with the College until 1899. His health became very 
much broken, and he was compelled to give up teaching, 
but he had in his term of office put new life into the col- 
lege, increased the number of pupils, and brought it pos- 
sibly to its period of greatest usefulness. After a brief 
rest, in which he was connected with the Due West bank 
as cashier, and which institution he helped to establish, 
he again supplied the pulpit of the Charlotte Church, dur- 
ing Dr. J. T. Chalmers' absence in search of health in 
Mexico. After about a year's work in Charlotte, Bro. 
Todd was appointed agent of the Twentieth Century 
Fund. The object of this fund was to raise $60,000 in 
five years for the two colleges, the educational work in 
Mexico, and for the Home Mission work in the towns 
and cities. Bro. Todd had been largely instrumental in 
starting the movement to raise this money at the meeting 
of Synod in Richland, Tenn., in 1901. He was compelled 
to give up his canvass, in the midst of promising encour- 
agement, on account of returning ill health. He suffered 
much at his home in Due West for a number of months, 
was taken to Baltimore to the hospital, and died from the 
result of an operation, Sept. 3rd, 1902. Cut off while yet 
a young man, he had yet done a great work for the cause 
of Christ and his Church. 

Torres, Rev. Simon S. — Home missionary of the Tam- 
pico Presbytery and located at Tantoyuca, State of Vera 
Cruz, is the son of Estanislao S. Torres and Maria Tru- 
jillo, and was born in the village of Somorelia, State of 



372 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



San Luis Potosi, Republic of Mexico, on the 28th of 
September, 1867. He was baptized in the Presbyterian 
church at Villa de Cos, State of Zacatecas, at the age of 
seven years. His father was of a nomadic disposition, 
and he never enjoyed any school advantages until he 
was eighteen years old. 

After his eighteenth year, he lived with several min- 
isters of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at dif- 
ferent places, and they taught him, as opportunity of- 
fered. He received a scholarship at The Laurens Insti- 
tute of the M. E. Church South, in Monterey, Mexico, 
and spent about two years under the direction of Rev. 
B. G. Marsh. He was early impressed by the gospel in 
his wanderings, and, when young, was received as a 
member of the Methodist Church at Mesquiz in the State 
of Coahuila. After leaving the school in Monterey, he 
drifted down into the State of Vera Cruz and at his own 
expense began evangelistic work in Tantoyuca. 

From this place he appealed to the missionary at Tam- 
pico for moral support and in 1896, he was received as 
a member of the Tampico Presbytery, and licensed and 
sent out as the first domestic missionary of the A. R. P. 
Church in the foreign field and is supported by the Tam- 
pico Presbytery. He was ordained at El Maiz, State 
of San Luis Potosi in May, 1897. He is a very plain, 
unpretending preacher of the gospel of salvation and is 
loyal to his adopted church, but, like Jeremiah, his mes- 
sage is misunderstood and unheeded by those whom he 
longs to bring to Christ. 

He was married to one of his converts in Tantoyuca, 
Srita Marcelina Echavarri, on the 22nd of May, 1896. 
They have three children : Samuel, Ester and Elias. The 
second was translated in infancy. 



Trujillo, Rev. Pedro. — The first native preacher of the 
A. R. P. Church in Mexico, the Rev. Pedro Trujillo is 
the son of Cipriano Trujillo and Micaela Brito, and was 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



373 



born on the 29th of April, 1846, in the city of Mexico. 
He received his training in the public schools of the city 
of his birth. He took a commercial course and received 
the honor of his class, being awarded a premium given 
by the President of the Republic, Hon. Benito Juarez. 

In 1868, when the Protestant movement began in 
Mexico, Sr. P. Trujillo was among the first to identify 
himself with the cause and became a member of the Epis- 
copal Church, San Jose de Gracia. He soon severed his 
communion with the Episcopal Church and transferred 
his membership to the Presbyterian Church, then under 
the superintendence of Rev. M. N. Hutchinson. In 1875, 
he and several others began a Bible study, directed by 
Mr. Hutchinson, having in view the work of an evangel- 
ist. In December, 1875, Sr. Trujillo was sent to Tam- 
pico to prepare the field there for gospel work. He la- 
bored in Tampico without much visible results until that 
post was transferred to the Mission of the A. R. P. 
Church. In 1880, he was given a certificate to the mis- 
sion work in Tampico, and he took up with the mission- 
ary a regular course of study covering about two years, 
and was given a Missionary's certificate to preach. 

By order of Synod, at a meeting, at Chester, So. Ca., 
in 1883, the missionary at Tampico, Mex., was authorized 
to ordain elders, and then he called a meeting of delegates 
from the eldership ordained and "ordain Sr. Trujillo to 
the full work of the ministry." The delegation -met in 
Tampico, and was composed of the missionary and Elders 
Zenon Zaleta and Acadia Gallardo, who ordained Sr. 
Trujillo on the 27th of March, 1884. His work has been 
in Tampico and points around. He is an earnest and 
good preacher, and enjoys the confidence of the people 
among whom he has labored. He was married in Tam- 
pico to Sra. Placida Pizanya V.da de Ambros. on the 7th 
of March, 1878. He has no children. 



374 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

Turner, Thomas. — Was born April 7th, 1808, at Pen- 
dleton, Anderson Co., S. C. His father was James 
Turner, and his mother Miss Martha Dickey. He had 
very limited educational opportunities. His parents 
were poor and he had to work on the farm. He at- 
tended, when he had the opportunity, an old field school, 
and was assisted some by John S. Pressly and Rev. 
Henry Bryson. He graduated in 1832 from Miami Uni- 
versity. He studied Theology at Allegheny, Pa., and was 
licensed by the Second Presbytery in 1835. He was or- 
dained by the same Presbytery in 1836. 

He was installed pastor of Hopewell Church, Newton 
Co., Ga., in 1836, and continued pastor of this church 
until' 1852. He then removed to Dalton, laboring there 
and in other vacancies for four years. In 1856 he re- 
moved with his family to Carmi, Illinois, took charge 
of West Union Church. He remained here until 1861, 
when, on account of the war, he returned South. Liv- 
ing at Dalton, Ga., he traveled during the war and acted 
as chaplain in the Confederate Army. On Oct. 13th 
1836, he was married in Green Co., Ohio, to Miss Martha 
B. Crane, by whom he had eleven children. After the 
war he returned North and lived on a farm near Trum- 
bull, Illinois. On account of age and infirmity, he 
was never able to preach regularly again. His wife died 
Sept. 20th, 1879. He died April 26th, 1890, aged 82. 
He was, especially in his early ministerial life, an able 
and successful preacher. He organized in Georgia a 
number of churches. He was a man of remarkable 
faith, did a vast amount of missionating over many 
States, and endured great hardness as a good soldier of 
the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Wallace, Miss Fannie Lynn. — Missionary to Mexico. 
The subject of this sketch was the only daughter of Mr. 
William Wallace and Mary Susan Higgins, and was 
born on the 31st of March, 1873, in the bounds of New 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



375 




MISS WALLACE. 



Hope congregation, Gar- 
rard Co., Ky. The advan- 
tages which she enjoyed in 
the parental home were 
blessed for good. As a 
child, she was remarkable 
for her quiet, studious dis- 
position. She imbibed in 
her early years the teach- 
ings of the gospel, and at 
the age of twelve years 
made a public profession 
of her faith at Kirksville, 
Ky. Careful attention 
was given to her instruc- 



tion and seeds were sown that bore blessed fruit. She 
received her collegiate education at the Due West Female 
College, Abbeville Co., S. C, and was graduated from 
that institution in June, 1890, with the first honors of 
her class. 

She took a post graduate course in one of the schools 
of Ohio, was for awhile a teacher in the public schools, 
and afterwards took position as teacher in one of the 
schools of Corsicana, Texas. Her activity and zeal in the 
work of the Master was made prominent during her 
stay in Corsicana. She resigned her school and church 
work there to give herself to the Foreign Missionary 
work in Mexico. She took a special course at the 
Moody Institute, Chicago, preparatory to entering on 
her work, and in Nov., 1900, was sent to Mexico, to take 
the place made vacant in Juarez Seminary for girls at 
Tampico, State of Tamaulipas. 

She arrived at the mission home in Tampico Dec. 28th, 
1900, and immediately gave herself to the study of the 
Spanish language under the direction of Dr. Pressly. 
She was a ready and diligent pupil, and her progress 
was beyond the average. After four months of study, 



f 

376 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

she began to take work in the school, and at the beginning 
of the session of 1901, she took a full share of the school 
work, and was beginning to take an active part in Chris- 
tian work. Her labors as a herald in the mission field 
were finished in the short space of twenty-three and a 
half months, and the Reaper claimed her as one of his 
sheaves, when she had scarcely entered upon the thres- 
hold of her chosen work. 

After an illness of eight days, she fell a victim of 
yellow fever, at the mission home, in Tampico, on Sab- 
bath day, the 16th of Nov., 1902. Hers was the death 
of a Christian whose hope is stayed on God. About the 
last words uttered before her reason began to fail, were, 
"I am resigned to God's will. My heart is at peace with 
God." As the Sabbath morning dawned, her soul was 
wafted to the land of eternal Sabbaths, and late that 
evening she was laid to rest in the burying ground 
at Tampico, under a mound of flowers, in the presence 
of all her co-workers, the pupils of the school, all the 
members of the congregation, and a large concourse of 
friends. The funeral services were conducted by Dr. N. 
E. Pressly and Rev. P. Trujillo, at the mission home, 
and at the grave, both in Spanish and English. 

God called, "so she took 

"The one grand step beyond the stars of Goes, 
Into the splendor, shadowless and broad, 
Into the everlasting joy and light, 
The zenith of the earthly life was come." 

Wallace, John. — Standing on the banks of the Delaware 
River, in the city of Philadelphia, in the summer of 1823, 
might be seen a vessel coming in. A young Irishman 
gladly steps on American soil. Equipped with license 
from the Presbytery of Ahoghill, Ireland, he presents it 
and himself, Aug. 20th, 1823, to the Associate Presbytery 
of Philadelphia. June 28th, 1824 was a red letter day 
for New Lebanon, West Va. She was arrayed in her 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



377 



bridal dress. The bridegroom was the ordained and in- 
stalled John Wallace, born in County Antrim, Ireland, 
Nov., 1799, his literary training at Belfast, his divinity 
at Edinburg. Dr. A. Heron and others of the Carolina 
Presbytery officiated. Some time afterward there was 
another marriage, the groom being the pastor and the 
bride Miss Nancy Ann Crawford, aunt of the late John 
Hampden Crawford, of Greenbrier Co., West Va. She 
was born January 2nd, 1804, and died Oct. 23rd, 1829. 
This pastoral relation was dissolved March 23, 1832, 
and he preached in Illinois till 1858, when he retired 
from active ministerial duty and died on his farm near 
Little York, Warren Co., 111., Dec. 20, 1875. His minis- 
try is well remembered in West Virginia and his faithful 
preaching and persistent catechizing are bearing fruit. 

Walker, James McCullough. — Rev. James M. Walker 
was the son of Hon. John Walker, and was born in 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C, Nov. 1st, 1829 . He graduated 
at Davidson College, N. C, in 1847, an ^ soon afterwards 
entered! Erskine Seminary, graduating in 1849, an d was 
licensed by the First Presbytery in September of the 
same year. 

He supplied Cedar Springs, in Abbeville Co., S. C, 
for awhile, and spent a year at Millersburg, Ky. He 
was called to Sardis Church in Mecklenburg Co., N. C, 
and was installed May 9th, 1851. Some time after being 
called to Sardis, he was sent to supply the mission at 
Nashville, Tenn., for awhile, but did not give up his 
pastorate at Sardis, where he continued pastor until 
1858, when he resigned, and entered the Southern Pres- 
byterian Church. In 1859, ne to °k charge of Philadel- 
phia Church, in N. C, but died of typhoid fever, April 
15th, i860, and is buried in Sardis graveyard. 

Mr. Walker was married May 13th, 185 1, to Elizabeth 
Jane Harris, of Mecklenburg Co., N. C. The fruit of 
this marriage was four children, two of whom died in 



378 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



infancy. Edgar H. Walker, of Charlotte, N. C, and 
Mrs. Walter S. Pharr, of Sardis, N. C, are those who 
are living. Mrs. Walker afterwards married Mr. R. M. 
White, of Charlotte, N. C, by whom she had two chil- 
dren. 

It is a rather unusual thing, but it is true in this case, 
that Mrs. White, and Rev. Jas. M. Walker's children, 
Mr. E. H. Walker and Mrs. W. S. Pharr, are all useful 
and active members of the Associate Reformed Church. 

Waller, William Towns. — Son of Nathaniel Waller and 
Anna Amelia Bender, was born in Selma, Ala., Nov. 18, 
1854. 

His father was for 65 years an honored citizen of 
Selma, Ala., and for 60 years an elder in the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. He was very successful in busi- 
ness and died full of years and honor and enjoying the 
love of all who knew him. He gave most liberally to 
the support of the gospel while he lived and left a leg- 
acy to the same at his death. 

Mr. Waller had good advantages in the way of early 
educational training. He was reared in part under the 
ministry of Dr. W. J Lowry, and by his influence he was 
sent to Erskine College, where he graduated in 1875. 
While at college, he joined the church at Due West, in 
1872 or 1873. He was received as a student of Theol- 
ogy by the Second Presbytery and took the course in Er- 
skine Theological Seminary. He was licensed to preach 
the gospel by the Second Presbytery in 1878, at Kings 
Creek, Newberry Co., S. C, and was ordained by this 
Presbytery at Due West, S. C, Nov., 1877. 

He labored one year as Synod's missionary at Lebanon 
and Camden and six years at Charlotte, N. C. He mar- 
ried, March 4, 1874, at Due West, S. C, Miss Kittie L. 
Bonner, a daughter of Rev. Dr. J. I. Bonner and Mrs. A. 
A. (Lindsay) Bonner. She was born Sept. 13, 1853, 
and has borne him ten children. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



379 



In 1884, Rev. Waller connected with the A. S. Pres- 
byterian Church, identifying with the Tuscaloosa Pres- 
bytery of the Synod of Alabama. He was recently 
pastor of the Camden, Ala., Presbyterian Church. 

Watt, James Bell. — Rev. James Bell Watt was born in 
Fairfield Co., S. C, April 4th, 1820, and was the son of 
James Watt and Margaret Bell. After attending the 
common schools of the country, he entered Erskine Col- 
lege, but did not complete the full collegiate course. Soon 
after leaving college, he married Miss Nancy Bell, of 
Fairfield Co., S. C, and when he connected with the 
church and gave his life to the ministry, he entered the 
Associate Reformed Church, and pursued his Theolog- 
ical studies under Rev. James Boyce, D. D., and was li- 
censed by the First Presbytery in 1843. 

In 1844 he was ordained and installed pastor of Steele 
Creek and Sardis churches, in Mecklenburg Co., N. C. 
After laboring in this wide field for five or six years, he 
was released from Sardis, and for seven or eight years 
longer he continued pastor of Steele Creek. In 1858 he 
severed his connection with the Associate Reformed 
Church, and connected with the Presbyterian Church 
and was soon called to Steele Creek and Pleas- 
ant Hill churches in that denomination. In i860 he was 
attacked by typhoid fever and died Sept. 16th of that 
year. 

While pastor of Steele Creek A. R. Church, his first 
wife died, leaving three children, and he was subse- 
quently married to Miss Louisa A. Neel, daughter of 
Gen. Wm. Neel, of Mecklenburg Co., N. C, who with 
three children still survive. 

Weed, James Penny. — Son of Nathaniel Weed and 
Polly Wiseman, was born in South Carolina, in Abbeville 
(or Laurens) County, April 6, 1820. In his childhood 
a severe case of sickness made him an invalid for life. 
He graduated in Erskine College, September 20, 1843. 



380 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

He studied Theology at Due West, in Erskine Seminary. 
He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Second 
Presbytery, at Long Cane, S. C, October 7, 1845. For 
a year or two he engaged in missionary work, but having 
been called to the pastorate of the Troy, Tenn., church, 
he was ordained and installed pastor of that congregation 
April 17, 1847, by the Tennessee Presbytery, which re- 
lation continued for a number of years. He was married 
to Mary Moffatt, a daughter of James MofTatt, of Troy, 
Tenn. She bore him three children. 

He was married the second time to Miss Eliza Terrell, 
who died without issue. He enjoyed the heritage of a 
godly ancestry, a people of decided religious convictions. 
Mr. Weed was much afflicted physically, — an intense suf- 
ferer. He was a nervous wreck, yet his mental quali- 
ties were of a high order. He was a student from youth 
to old age — possessed of a retentive memory and a pow- 
erful, chaste imagination. He was an eloquent, impress- 
ive preacher, and a man of extensive information. It 
was refreshing to hear the word of the Lord by his 
mouth. 

Weed, John Young. — Son of Nathaniel Weed, of 
Starkville, Miss., graduated at Erskine College, 1854. 
Brother of Rev. J. P. Weed. Studied at Erskine Theo- 
logical Seminary ; licensed by Second Presbytery in the 
fall of 1855 ; died July 11, 1856. In the mysterious prov- 
idence of God, about one year after his licensure, he was 
called away. He lies buried at Starkville, Miss. 

White, George Rufus, D. D. — Rev. G. R. White, D. D. 
was born at Elk Shoals, Alexander Co., N. C, April 20th, 
1846, and is the son of James Parks White and Jane 
Amanda Moore. His academic education was received 
at Elk Shoals Academy, and he graduated at Erskine Col- 
lege in 1 87 1. He was received as a student of theology 
by the First Presbytery at Back Creek, N. C, Sept. 4th, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



381 




1 87 1, prosecuted his theo- 
logical studies at Erskine 
Seminary, and was li- 
censed by the First Pres- 
bytery, at Ebenezer, N. C, 
July 18th, 1873. 



EE V. G. R. "WHITE, D. D. 



He was ordained at a 
special meeting of the 
First Presbytery, October 
14th, 1874. For some 
time after his licensure he 
supplied vacancies in the 
First and Second Pres- 
byteries, and also in the 
Kentucky Presbytery, and 



was called as pastor of Ebenezer Church in Mecklen- 
burg Co., N. C, and installed Oct. 29th, 1876, and has 
continued pastor there ever since. Dr. White was mar- 
ried at Due West, S. C, Sept. 18th, 1873, to Miss Laura 
Elizabeth Grier, the daughter of the Rev. Dr. R. C. Grier 
and Barbara Brown Moffatt. Mrs. White was born at 
Due West, S. C, Oct. 12th, 1849. 

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on 
Mr. White by the Trustees of Erskine College. In his 
youth, Dr. White served one year in the Confederate 
Army, and rose to the rank of Captain in the Junior 
Reserves. 

Dr. White is an able preacher and a successful pastor, 
and has long been looked upon as one of the leaders of 
the Synod. He has frequently served on various Boards 
of the church, and has been the Treasurer of the Board 
of Home Missions ever since its organization. 

White, John Alexander. — Rev. J. A. White is the son 
of Matthew White and Mary Torbit, and was born near 
Chester, S. C, Nov. 22nd, 1852. His early education 
was received in the schools of the neighborhood until 



382 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




he entered Erskine College 
in Oct., 1869, graduating 
in 1872. On Aug. 5th, 
1570, he united with the 
church of Hopewell, Ches- 
ter Co., S. C, of which 
church his parents and 
grandparents, both pa- 
ternal and maternal were 
members, and of which 
he himself was destined to 
become pastor. 



J. A. WHITE. 



He joined the First 
Presbytery, at King's 
Mountain, N. C, in 



March, 1879, and studied Theology in Erskine Sem- 
inary, being licensed by the First Presbytery at 
Neely's Creek, York Co., S. C, July 30th, 1878. He 
supplied the churches of Winnsboro and Hopewell for 
several months, and was called to Hopewell in March, 
1879, an d was ordained and installed May 23rd of the 
same year, and still continues pastor of Hopewell. In 
1 88 1, Mr. White was called to the pastorate of White 
Oak church, in Fairfield Co., S. C, in connection with 
Hopewell, and this relation continued for eleven years, 
when he resigned, in order that White Oak might call 
a pastor for all his time. He was married, in Mecklen- 
burg Co., N. C, Dec. 14th, 1881, to Miss Susan Grier 
Lewis, who was born at Lewis Turn Out, in Chester 
Co., S. C, June 29th, 1854, and is the mother of two 
sons. 

Mrs. White is the daughter of John B. Lewis and Mar- 
garet J. Whyte, and is the granddaughter of the Rev. 
Archibald Whyte of the Associate Church. Mr. White 
is the fifth pastor that Hopewell has had in a history of 
one hundred and thirteen years. All his predecessors lie 
buried in the cemetery hard by the church where they 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



383 



all served so well, and the indications are that Mr. White 
will spend his life as the pastor of this old, historic 
church, and sleep at last with the fathers near the scene 

White, James Meek. — 
Rev. J. M. White is the 
son of Moses White and 
Martha Shaw McGill, and 
was born near Hickory 
Grove, in York Co., S. C., 
Sept. nth, 1864. 

He graduated from Er- 
skine College, June, 1890, 
and in September of the 
same year was received as 
a student of theology by 
the First Presbytery at 
Welford, S. C, studied 
theology at Erskine Sem- 
inary, and was licensed by the First Presbytery, at Char- 
lotte, N. C, April 6th, 1892. 

Mr. White was stated supply at New Hope and Mt. 
Olivet, Ky., from July, 1892, until Oct., 1893, and was 
ordained at Charlotte, N. C, Nov. 6th, 1893, by the 
First Presbytery. 

He supplied the churches at Russellville, Little Rock 
and Zion, Ark., from Nov., 1893, until Oct., 1894, and 
then went to Hopewell and Head Springs, Tenn. In the 
fall of 1895 he was installed over Hopewell and Head 
Springs, Tenn. He remained pastor here for several 
years, demitting Head Springs in May, 1898, and Hope- 
well in Sept., 1899. In Oct., 1900, he was called to the 
united charge of Unity, Gills Creek, and Pleasant Hill, 
in Lancaster Co., S. C, and was installed over the united 
charge at Unity, on April 9th, 1901. He still continues 
pastor of these churches. 




3^4 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Mr. White was married July 6th, 1892, to Miss Mary 
Eliza Scott, of York Co., S. C, and they have four chil- 
dren. 

Mrs. White is the daughter of Samuel Martin Scott, 
and Isabella Gilfillan, of Sharon, S. C, and was born 
Dec. 13th, 1868. 

Whyte, Archibald. — Son of Rev. Archibald and Mar- 
garet (Kerr), born in Argyle, New York, Aug. 3rd, 
1800; was graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. 
Y., in 1822 ; spent four terms in the Associate Seminary, 
Philadelphia, and received license from the Cambridge 
Presbytery June 19th, 1826. Early in Nov., 1826, he 
preached in the Carolinas, spending most of 1827. Dur- 
ing this year he received calls from New Stirling, Cam- 
bridge and Gilead, N. C, and from Putnam, Washing- 
ton Co., N. Y. These declined, his ordination and in- 
stallation, Dec. 5th, 1827, took place over the infant con- 
gregation of Associate Presbyterians in Baltimore, Md. 

In the summer of 1833, he demitted Baltimore and 
accepted a call to the united charge of Steel Creek and 
Bethany (Back Creek) Mecklenburg Co., N. C. These 
were seven years of lonely work and special trial, yet 
his congregation increased from 55 families and 128 
members to 65 families and 153 members. During most 
of the period till 1840 his Presbytery consisted of him- 
self and Dr. Thompson of Virginia. He, with his Pres- 
bytery, declined the authority of the Associate Synod 
because of her stringent and impracticable act on slavery 
and "were suspended, in June, 1840, until they acknowl- 
edged their sin, and returned to their duty." At this crisis, 
Rev. Thomas S. Kendall "was dispatched with a letter 
to explain and enforce the views of Synod and to warn 
them against countenancing the ministry of their for- 
mer pastors." It was on this mission, the second Sab- 
bath of Aug., 1840, after a public worship at Smyrna, 
Ct ester Co., S. C, that Rev. Kendall was humiliated by 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



335 



some of the baser sort — a deed deplored by all good peo- 
ple. His personal reflections on Rev. Whyte during that 
occasion were groundless and unnecessary. About this 
time, Mr. Whyte demitted his charge, and being under 
suspension and out of sympathy with his Presbytery, and 
declining to enter the union, April 15th, 1844, he turned 
planter and politician. 

While in Baltimore, he married Miss Susan Grier, 
sister of the late Col. Wm. Grier, a prominent citizen and 
elder in Steele Creek Associate Church. This estimable 
lady died in the fall of 1834. One daughter survived, 
who became by marriage Mrs. Margaret J. Lewis. 

A second marriage was contracted with Mrs. Campbell, 
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Hart. She died in 
1850. He lived near Nation Ford, in the bounds of 
Neely's Creek, York Co., S. C, with which some time 
before his death he connected. He served one or two 
terms in the S. C. Legislature, and many times in State 
and Congressional conventions. It was on one of these 
occasions doubtless the Speaker asked : "Who is that 
gentleman that has just addressed me?" On being told 
it was Mr. Whyte, of York District, replied : "In all my 
life I have never been addressed with so much grace and 
dignity." 

"Rev. A. Whyte was regarded as having the brightest 
mind in his day. He was a smooth, fine speaker, using 
the best language, never uttering an unchaste word, 
very attractive in person and demeanor, and liked by all. 
He was also very useful in his community, understood 
law, and was a magistrate many years." 

As the great civil struggle, '61 -'65, was closing, the 
struggle of his old self, his better nature, his godly train- 
ing, drove away the clouds. He yearned to put on the 
harness, and was taking steps to be admitted a minister 
in the First Presbytery when death claimed him Aug. 
the 8th, 1865. 
25 



3 86 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




JOHX WILSOX. 




Wilson, Rev. John. — 
Was born July 13, 1805, 
in Chester Co., S. C, on 
the western frontier of 
Hopewell;. His father, 
Archibald Wilson, when a 
young man came from Ire- 
land in the same ship with 
Rev. William Blackstocks. 
He married Miss Martha 
McOuiston, and died in 
1826. The subject of this 
sketch j oined Hopewell 
church early in life. When 
21 years old, though pos- 



sessed of only an English education and $150, he re- 
solved to fit himself for the gospel ministry. He studied 
at Chester and Edgefield, S. C, and took a course in 
Miami University, Oxford, O., receiving the A. B. and 
A. M. degrees in 1833. He studied theology in Alle- 
gheny Seminary, graduating in 1835. He taught school 
at times during these years of study. 

Along with Thomas Turner and others, he was licensed 
by the First Associate Reformed Presbytery of Ohio, 
April 24, 1835. He and Mr. Turner took their journey 
toward the South, traveling on horseback, through Indi- 
ana. Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Geor- 
gia and South Carolina. On this trip the}' preached on 
Sabbaths. They sometimes spent two or more Sabbaths 
at a place, but often rode from four to six days from 
one appointment to another. They reached South Caro- 
lina during the summer, and supplied vacancies until the 
meeting of Synod. He was directed to spend two months 
in Tipton Co., Tenn., and the remainder of the year in 
the First Presbytery. The Synod of 1836 returned him 
to Tennessee, and authorized the organization of the 
Presbytery of Tennessee. This was done at Salem, 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS 



387 



Tenn., April 24, 1837. During this meeting he was or- 
dained and installed pastor of Salem and Sardis. Ten 
years later, he demitted the pastoral charge of Sardis, 
and gave his entire time to Salem. In Oct., 1837, he 
married Miss Eliza, daughter of Rev. John Hemphill, 
D. D., pastor of Hopewell, S. and a sister of Rev. W. 
R. Hemphill, D. D. She died in August, 1841. He was 
married again to Miss Arpasia H. Butler, Oxford, O., in 
Oct., 1844. This was just before the meeting of Synod 
at Ebenezer, Ky. 

After the meeting adjourned, he and his bride, in com- 
pany with other members of Synod, took passage for the 
home trip on the Lucy Walker, a steamer bound for 
New Orleans. About 38 years after, in writing an ac- 
count of what occurred, he said, "when we were about 
five miles below New Albany, Ind., we felt a sudden 
shock, and a trembling of the boat, and soon found that 
the boilers had burst. Those in the front part of the 
boat were scattered in every direction, many maimed, 
some killed and others thrown into the river." About 50 
lives were lost. Rev. Joseph McCreary, and Mr. Wm. 
Watt, an elder from Starkville, Miss., were killed. Revs. 
J. M. Young and David Pressly, and elder W. R. 
McCain, of Salem, Term., were wounded. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wilson escaped injury, and were picked up by a snag 
boat that happened to be near by. His pastorate at Sa- 
lem was a faithful one. The congregation increased to 
more than 100 families. The work became so heavy that 
at his request the congregation called an assistant pastor 
in 1862. Besides the oversight of this church, he visited 
other counties in Tennessee, also Mississippi and Arkan- 
sas. Thus he was called on to look after destitute com- 
munities. He organized or assisted in organizing most 
of the churches under the care of the Memphis Presby- 
tery. About the close of the civil war, at his urgent and 
repeated request, the congregation agreed to release him 
from his pastoral charge. The relation was dissolved the 



3 88 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



31st of Dec, 1865. He had planned to move immediately 
to Monticello, Ark., but was delayed a year. He took 
up the work in Arkansas early in 1867. His going into 
that field just then meant a great deal to the Associate 
Reformed Church. He became stated supply at Monti- 
cello, Saline and Hickory Spring, and in a few years at 
Ebenezer. Others came to his assistance from time to 
time, but the burden of the work was on him for some 
years. He gave up regular work in 1881. His wife 
died in 1875, at his home near Monticello, Ark., and he 
died Jan. 26, 1883. Two children survived him : Mrs. 
W. S. Moffatt and Mrs. John B. Wilson. His youngest 
child, Rev. W. A. Wilson, died Nov. 1, 1881. 

Wilson, Rev. William 
Archibald. — Youngest child 
of Rev. John and Mrs. Ar- 
pasia H. Wilson, was born 
in Tipton Co., Tenn., Aug- 
ust 15, 1852. He attended 
Miami University, Oxford, 
O., a short while, and grad- 
uated from Erskine Col- 
lege in 1872. He studied 
' theology in Er skine Theo- 
logical Seminary, graduat- 
ing in 1874. His mind was 
deeply impressed by the 
importance of the Foreign 
Missionary work, and during his course in the Seminary 
offered his services for that field to Synod's Committee 
on Foreign Missions. The offer was promptly accepted. 
But the severe and continued ill health of his mother 
for many months constrained him to withdraw the offer. 

The Arkansas Presbytery licensed him in July, 1874, 
and ordained him sine titulo the following year. He was 
stated supply from Oct., '74, to Oct., '76, at Saline and 





SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



389 



Hickory Spring. At the meeting of Synod in 1876, he 
again offered himself for the Foreign Mission work and 
was accepted by the Synod with the understanding that 
he should go to Egypt. He was directed to spend the 
year visiting the churches of Synod to arouse a mission- 
ary spirit among the people. This he did and organized 
many missionary societies. In 1877 the Synod, not see- 
ing the way clear to send him out, released him from the 
appointment. He was assigned to the Virginia Presby- 
tery for the year, where he supplied Ebenezer, Bethel 
and Broad Creek. The next year he was stated supply 
of Mt. Zion, Mo. He connected with Wheeling Pres- 
bytery of the United Presbyterian Church in April, 1880. 
He was installed pastor of Buchanan Hill, W. Va., Dec. 
1, 1880. He died Nov. 1, 1881. His last message to 
his father was, "Tell him I am waiting at the river with 
my lamp trimmed and burning." He was happily mar- 
ried to Miss Laura B. Fulton, at Warnock's, O., August 
28, 1877. He left one child, John Fulton Wilson. 

Wiseman, David Williams. — Eldest son of John M. 
and M. Catherine (McBryde) Wiseman, was born in 
Tippah Co., Miss., April 6, 1853. His ancestry, both 
paternal and maternal, were identified with the Associ- 
ate Reformed church from its first organization, and 
were noted for their attachment to its principles and 
practices. 

Thus was David W. blessed with a worthy ancestry, 
and it is but truth to say he was a worthy son. He was 
a quiet, steady boy, obedient and faithful in every rela- 
tion. He came near dying from typhoid fever at about 
ten years of age, but God graciously spared his life. In 
1863 he accidently fell from a platform at his father's 
ginhouse, and his thigh was broken, causing him to limp 
for life. He joined Ebenezer church August 13, 1870, 
and lived a devoted, Christian life. 

He enjoyed the instruction of some excellent teachers 



39o 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



in the public schools of the neighborhood, among whom 
mention is made of Rev. J. Lord, a Cumberland Presby- 
terian minister, E. P. Stewart, Thomas P. Pressly. 
About this time, 1873, Mr. Wiseman determined on a 
college course. He entered the Freshman class in Er- 
skine College in 1874, and continued his studies unin- 
terruptedly, except one year spent in teaching, and grad- 
uated July 4, 1879. Having at this time decided to de- 
vote his life to the gospel ministry, he accordingly was 
received as a student of Theology by Memphis Presby- 
tery at Bloomington, Tenn., Sept. 12, 1879, and soon 
after entered Erskine Theological Seminary. In con- 
nection with his Seminary work he took charge of the 
Mess Hall kept by some of the students of Erskine Col- 
lege. At this time also, on January 14, 1880, he married 
Ella M . H. Robison, eldest daughter of Rev. H. H. Rob- 
ison. 

The second year he was allowed for "peculiar" rea- 
sons to prosecute his studies privately under direction 
of Rev. H. H. Robison, and the following year, April 
30, 1881, at Salem, Tenn., he was licensed. Soon after 
his return home occurred the tragic death of Rev. H. H. 
Robison, May 19, 1881, and Ebenezer was left without 
a shepherd. They at once looked to Mr. Wiseman in 
their time of need, and he preached for them as he had 
opportunity. His tender and faithful ministrations 
among them soon ripened into a desire for closer bonds, 
and on November 12, 1881, a call in which there was 
not a dissenting voice, was moderated for his pastoral 
services. 

But God's ways are not man's ways. On the follow- 
ing Tuesday, Nov. 15, he was taken with typhoid fever, 
and after an illness of five weeks, he breathed his last 
at his home in Union Co., Miss, Dec. 22, 1881. He left 
a wife and one daughter, Ada, then a little babe, to weep 
over his remains. His sermons were above the average 
and acceptable to all who heard him. There was a kind- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



391 



ness in his tone, a pleasantness in his manner, and gen- 
tleness in his demeanor which won the hearts of old and 
young. 

Witherspoon, John Graham. — Son of John and Jane 

(Black) Witherspoon, born 181 1, four miles 

east of Charlotte, N. C. His preparatory studies were 
at Sugar Creek, N. C, and Ebenezer, York Co., S. C, 
under Rev. E. Harris. Spending two years in Jefferson 
College, Pa, he graduated in 1831. He spent the winter 
of '3 1 -'32 in Allegheny Seminary under John T Pressly, 
and finished in the hands of Dr. Isaac Grier. The First 
Presbytery commissioned him as a probationer in the 
spring of 1833. Serving the vacancies for one year, 
three calls were presented to him, April 7, 1834. These 
were Tirzah, Union Co., N. C, Cedar Spring and Long 
Cane, Abbeville Co., S. C, Coddle Creek, New Perth 
and Gilead, N. C. The latter three he accepted and was 
ordained and installed pastor Aug. 20th, 1834. 

This field being too large and laborious, Gilead was 
demitted Sept. 23rd, 1840. The moderatorship of his 
Synod in 1842 was his honor. The only daughter of 
Dr. Isaac Grier, Miss Martha Harris, became his wife in 
1832. She was a helpmeet indeed, a mother in Israel, a 
woman of devotion to her church, whom to know was to 
love and appreciate for her Christian sympathy and solid 
worth. 

With this extensive parish, he yielded to the crying 
need of education and spent some time in the school 
room, Mrs. Witherspoon assisting, and helped prepare 
among others Dr. R. A. Ross for college. 

Sabbath evening he took his bed, and pneumonia at- 
tacking his brain soon after, became unconscious and 
gave back his spirit the following Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1846. 
He was a strong, robust man, gentle in his manners and 
ever ready to lend a helping hand in every good cause. 

Punctuality to his appointments characterized him. 



392 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



"Upon the ecclesiastical judicatories of which he was 
a member, he was a regular attendant. Whether they 
were near at hand, or at a distance, whether they had to 
be reached through the sunshine or the storm, Wither- 
spoon was there" 

During his ministry he missed but one meeting of 
Synod, and two meetings of Presbytery. 

He was a successful and acceptable pastor. "Being 
of a popular turn and faithful in his ministerial duties, 
he was instrumental in bringing in considerable acces- 
sions to his flock." 

He was highly esteemed by the brethren and the con- 
gregations throughout the church and wherever known. 
It was not his privilege to serve in the ministry of the 
gospel long — nearly thirteen years — but he served well, 
and it was in the prime of life and strength of manhood 
that he exchanged the ministry of the gospel for the 
ministry of glory. 



paratory department. In due time he entered Erskine 
College, graduating in Class of 1869. He was received 
by the Second Presbytery the same year as a student of 
theology, and finished his course in Seminary in 1871. 




G S, YOUNG. 



Young, Rev. Charles 
Strong. — The subject of 
this sketch was born July 
5th, 1847, a t Due West, 
S. C. He was the son of 
Prof. John N. Young and 
Eleanor Euphemia Strong. 
He began school at seven 
years of age under Rev. 
J. I. Bonner. Afterwards 
he attended school in the 
Academy taught by Mrs. 
E. McLuems, then he 
went to the Female col- 
lege, and attended the pre- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



393 



Immediately after licensure, Aug. n, 1871, he was sent 
to Tennessee and labored in the vacancies in Marshall 
and Lincoln counties. Was installed as pastor of Head 
Spring in Marshall Co., May 3rd, 1873, and remained 
there until Sept. 5th, 1884, except the year 1882, which 
was spent in Mission work in Louisville, Ky. When 
Synod met (1881), he was asked to leave his charge in 
the Tennessee Presbytery and come to Louisville, which 
he did at once, and put forth all his ability in the work, 
and as a result the roll of members grew more rapidly 
than ever before. At the close of the year nine new 
names had been added. On the dissolution of the pas- 
toral relation with Head Spring, Tenn., Sept. 5, 1884, 
the following resolution was adopted : "Resolved that 
while we deeply regret that Bro. Young has deemed it 
necessary to remove from his present field of labor and 
from among a people to whom he and his family have 
become greatly endeared, yet we hear with pleasure of 
the prospect of his forming a colony and organizing a 
church in Florida." 

He located at Orleans, Hernando Co., Fla. Some 
time was spent in mission work. In 1888, he organized 
a church at Arlington road (Hernando P. O.) and in 
1889 one at Orleans, both in Citrus Co. In 1890 he or- 
ganized one at Bartow in Polk Co., 80 miles south of the 
other churches. 

His home was at Orleans, Fla., and he continued to 
supply those churches (though the two were afterwards 
united in one congregation) until Jan. 17th, 1901, when 
he removed to Paint Lick, Garrard Co., Ky. 

Disastrous freezes in the'90's injured the orange groves 
to such an extent that most of the A. R. people either 
removed further south or went off to other States, mostly 
the latter. In 1900 the congregation at Orleans was dis- 
solved. 

Since January, 1901, he has been in charge of New 
Hope and Ebenezer, one-half time at each place. The 



394 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



centennial of these churches was observed May nth, 
1901, at New Hope, in which he took an active part. He 
still continues in this field of labor. 

In connection with his pastoral work, he also engaged 
in teaching and was Principal for some time of the 
County High School at Lewisburg, Tenn. In Florida 
he was engaged in the same work as teacher and for 
four years as Superintendent of the Public Schools of 
Citrus County, Fla. 

The degree of A. M. was conferred by the Trustees 
of Erskine College in 1874. 

Mr. Young spent one year in the Confederate service. 
In 1864 ne was with the signal corps in Charleston. His 
wife was Miss May B. Chalmers, daughter of William 
S. Chalmers, of Newberry, S. C, to whom he was mar- 
ried September 26th, 1871. Five children survive as 
the fruit of this marriage; one is dead. 

His oldest son, John M. Young, is now one of the In- 
structors in Sibley College, the college of engineering 
in Cornell University, of which institution he is a 
graduate. 

Young, John. — Was born Sept. 4th, 1763, in York Co., 
Pa. His father, William, was of Covenanter stock, and 
his mother was of remarkable intellectual endowments. 
About 1780 he suffered the loss of both his parents, and 
their farm being soon thereafter sold for Continental 
money, made him dependent on his own exertions. 

For awhile his time was employed in teaching 
and in writing in the clerk's office at Annapolis, Md. An 
uncle became a father to these five orphans and John 
soon passed to Dickinson College, where he graduated in 
1788, delivering the valedictory. Taking a course of 
Theology under Dr. Nisbet, President of his alma mater, 
and also under Rev. Alexander Dobbin, of Gettysburg, 
Pa., the A. R. P. Presbytery of Pa. granted him license 
April 13, 1 79 1, and ordained and installed him pastor 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



395 



of Old Providence, Augusta Co., and Timber Ridge, 
Rockbridge Co., Va., Aug. 20, 1792. "These duties 
he discharged with great acceptance." He was honored 
with the moderatorship of his Synod at Philadelphia, 
Pa., 1798. 

Soon after his settlement in the valley of Virginia, he 
married Miss Mary Clarke, of Greencastle, Pa., two 
sons and two daughters being the fruit of this marriage. 
One daughter became the wife of Rev. John Lind and 
one son, Dr. John C, an eloquent and useful minister 
in the Presbyterian church, and President of Centre 
College, Kentucky. 

In 1799 he demitted this charge and, while he received 
calls from Lexington, Ky., and New York, settled in 
Greencastle, Pa., being installed Sept. 3rd, 1799. Having 
preached three times a very hot day in open air, he took 
fever from which he died July 24th, 1803. 

As a preacher, "His enunciation was distinct and de- 
liberate, but without hesitancy; his language clear and 
forcible, but not florid; the subject matter of his dis- 
courses doctrinal and instructive, but having a decidedly 
practical bearing. He had but little gesture, but that 
little was natural and appropriate. His whole manner 
was dignified, solemn and impressive. He was a man of 
good abilities, of fine mental culture and affable manners, 
and was always heard with gladness. As an earnest and 
instructive preacher he had no superior in his church." — ■ 
Dr. J. B. Scouller. 

Young, Rev. Thomas Leroy, col. — The above named 
minister was for a time the only colored preacher in the 
Associate Reformed Church. He was a slave of the estate 
of Rev. Charles Strong of Newberry, and by lot fell to 
his daughter, Miss E. E. Strong, who married Rev. J. N. 
Young, Professor in Erskine College. 

He was born November 30th, 1833, and was thirteen 
years old when he came to Due West. He was a remark- 



39^ 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



ably good boy, honest and trustworthy as a servant. He 
was taught by Rev. J. N. Young and family, his religious 
training also being carefully guarded as was the rule 
with the slaves in the families of Associate Reformed 
people. He learned the shorter catechism and was re- 
quired to attend family worship. In due time he con- 
nected with the church and entered upon the study of 
theology under Prof. Young. A congregation of ne- 
groes was organized at Due West, and he was chosen 
pastor, after having been licensed by Second Presbytery. 
He was accordingly ordained and installed over this, the 
only negro congregation at that time in the Synod. The 
congregation did very well for a while after the war, but 
feeling its isolation and separation socially, as the only 
colored church, sought connection with the Northern 
Presbyterian Church, its pastor also connecting with 
that body. 

About this time, however, the subject of our sketch 
ceased actively to exercise his ministry, as his church de- 
sired a younger and more active man from the North. 
Rev. T. L. Young was a tanner by trade, and also had 
a small farm. His wife was Amanda Callaham, and 
eleven children were born to her. 

One of the sons was educated in Biddle Institute for 
the ministry, but died before entering upon his work, 
After giving up his church, Rev. Young devoted himself 
to his farm until his death. 

Young, James Little, Jr. — Son of John Norris Young 
and Eleanor Euphemia Strong, was born in Due West, 
S. C, January 19, 1852. The Civil War seriously inter- 
rupted his grammar-school education. He graduated with 
A. B. degree from Erskine College July 12, 1871. He 
joined the Due West, S. C, A. R. P. Church in the spring 
of 1870, was received as a student of theology by the 
Second Presbytery at its spring meeting in 1872, at 
Bethel, Laurens Co., S. C, and prosecuted his theologi- 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



397 





cal studies in Erskine 
Theological Seminary. 
Was licensed by Second 
Presbytery Sept. 6, 1873, 
at Generostee, S. C, and 
spent following' winter in 
the Seminary. He was or- 
dained at Due West, S. C, 
by the Second Presbytery, 
Oct. 30, 1875. 



II 



J. L. YO 



In 1874 he supplied Dr. 
Sloan's pulpit while he was 
in Charlotte, N. C., and sup- 
plied the Charlotte Mission 
for about two months dur- 



ing the summer. The Synod of 1874 sent him to Texas. 
During that year he rode a pony from Freestone Co., the 
home of Rev. T. J. Bonner, to Hardin Co., in the south- 
east corner of the State, to Milam Co., on the Brazos, 
and to Lamar Co., on the Red River. In these trips he 
preached in school houses to scattering families of A. 



By order of Synod of 1875, he labored in Arkansas, 
preaching for three months in Little River Co., in the S. 
W. corner of the State, and the remainder of the year he 
supplied Shady Grove and Camp Creek churches. The 
next two years he served the Mt. Zion, Mo., church, but 
on account of failing health in 1878, he declined the in- 
vitation of the people to return. He was directed by 
Synod to the Texas field, but not feeling able for the 
work, he accepted the invitation of Bloomington, Tenn., 
to supply that pulpit one-half time, Feb., to Oct., 1879. In 
1879, he was sent to Arkansas, and began work at Sa- 
line, Nov., '79, and Monticello, March, '80. He was 
called to the pastorate of these congregations in spring of 
188 1, and was installed at Monticello, April 23, and at 
Saline, May 3, 1881. In Sept., 1895, he demitted the 



R. Ps. 



398 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 

Saline branch of his charge, and was installed for one- 
fourth of his time over Ebenezer, Ark., June 20, 1896. 

He was married Oct. 17, 1883, near Harrels, Dallas 
Co., Ala., by Rev. J. A. Lowry, to Miss Jennie Young, 
daughter of James Mathews Young and Elizabeth Jennie 
Craig. She was born in Dallas Co., Ala., Oct. 13, 1858. 
Five children have been born to them, all of them yet in 
school. 

Rev. John N 0 r r i s 
Young, L. L. D., was born 
Feb. 17th, 1813, in the 
bounds of Rocky Springs 
A. R. Church, in what is 
known as the Flatwoods 
of Abbeville, S. C. He was 
the son of Francis Young 
and Nancy Little Young. 
"His paternal grandfather 
came from the region of 
Raleigh, N. C, and set- 
tled in Abbeville Co., S. C. 
His maternal grandfather 
seems to have been a na- 
tive of Abbeville Co., and was shot and killed by Tories 
during the Revolutionary War in his own door. Francis 
Young afterwards moved to Little Generostee, then un- 
der the pastoral care of Rev. Robt. Irwin, and was 
elected a Ruling Elder in that congregation." 

His early education was obtained in the common 
schools, but his classical course was begun under the care 
of his elder brother, Rev. Jas. L. Young. In this course 
as well as his subsequent college course he was associated 
with G. and N. M. Gordon and Laughlin McDonald, all 
of whom became ministers of the A. R. Church. 

He entered Miami University in the Fall of 1833. He 
graduated Aug. 10, 1837, under the Presidency of Rev. 





SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



399 



Robt. H. Bishop. He remained in Ohio the entire four 
years of his course, spending his vacations in Hopewell 
congregation, not far from Oxford, the seat of the Uni- 
versity. 

Returning South, he was at once elected temporary 
Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in 
the Academy at Due West, S. C. He began the study of 
Divinity at the same time under Dr. E. E. Pressly, and 
was licensed by the 2nd. A. R. Presbytery at Bethel, Lin- 
coln Co., Tenn., Oct. 8th, 1840. In 1839 he was elected 
by the Synod of the South permanent Professor to the 
chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Er- 
skine College, then just organized. This position he 
held until Oct., 1881, when he resigned. He, however, 
continued to discharge the duties of this position for an- 
other year, or until his successor, Prof. J. H. Miller, one 
of his own students, was prepared to take his place. In- 
cluding his service in the Academy, he taught forty-five 
years in this Institution. During all of this period, he 
was also Treasurer of the College, and continued to hold 
this position for several years after he resigned as Pro- 
fessor. 

Though he was fully ordained to the work of the min- 
istry, he was never pastor of any church, but preached 
in the vacancies in his own Presbytery convenient to his 
work, for he loved to preach. "His preaching was prac- 
tical in its character, and always instructive and edify- 
ing." 

The Board of Trustees of Erskine College conferred 
upon him the degree of L. L. D. in January, 1891. 

He was twice married. In 1842 he married Elizabeth 
Jane Irwin, of Oxford, O. The fruits of this union were 
two children, neither of whom survived the period of 
early childhood, nor did the mother long survive. He 
was married the second time, Oct. 21st, 1845, to Euphemia 
Eleanor Strong, daughter of Rev. Charles Strong, of 
Newberry, S. C. She was the fourth child of Rev. 



400 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



Charles and Nancy Strong, was born in Newberry, S. 
C, Jan. 19, 1823, and died Oct. 28th, 1862, in her thirty- 
ninth year. 

The fruits of this union were ten children, eight of 
whom still survive (two daughters having died in years 
of childhood). Those still living are Elizabeth Jane, 
wife of Rev. E. P. McClintock; Rev. Charles Strong 
Young, of Ky. ; Henry Martin Young, merchant, Due 
West, S. C. ; John Mo ran Young, lawyer in Fla. ; Rev. 
James Little Young, of Ark. ; Mary Evelyn, wife of 
Rev. H. M. Henry, of Ala. ; Martha Anna, wife of Rev. 
J. E. Johnson, of Col., and Harriet, wife of Hon. James 
E. Todd, of S. C. 

Dr Young died Oct. 31st, 1891. Two weeks previous 
to his death he sustained a serious injury from a fall. 
He was thought to be recovering, but he was suddenly 
stricken with paralysis, and passed away without a strug- 
gle. He was buried in the cemetery at Due West. 

Dr. W r . L. Pressly has this to say of Dr. Young in a 
sketch after his death : "Besides being a man of extended 
and varied information, Dr. Young was a man of great 
public spirit, fine practical sense, and of sterling integ- 
rity. These qualities were perceived and recognized by 
the church and for nearly forty years he was entrusted 
with the management of the finances of the college, with- 
out bond or security of any kind. It need not be said 
that the confidence thus reposed was never abused. 
These qualities were recognized by the community as 
well as by the church. And hence his counsel was often 
sought and appreciated by those who knew him best, but 
the crowning glory of the character of this good man 
was his piety, — his unassuming, unaffected, unosten- 
tatious piety. In him was illustrated those more quiet 
and retiring and unobtrusive graces of the spirit — such 
as meekness, humility, gentleness and patience, which 
more than any other assimilate to the character of Him, 
who "was meek and lowly of heart." The church has 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



no more precious legacy than the memory of such a man 
as Rev. John Norris Young, L. L. D. 

Young, James Matthews, son of Samuel Young and 
Elizabeth Bonner, was born in Abbeville Co., S. C, Oc- 
tober 29, 1 81 5. He was one of triplets, the other brothers 
were named John Clark and Lewis. He enjoyed fine 
educational advantages and graduated in Miami Univer- 
sity, Ohio, August, 1839. He joined the Church in 
Wilcox Co., Ala. was received as a student of Theology 
by the Second Presbytery and took his theological course 
in Erskine Seminary. He was licensed to preach about 
1842 — the date of his ordination is not known. He mis- 
sionated in Texas two years and was pastor of Prosper- 
ity and Orrville, Ala., for about 25 years. He was called 
to the pastorate of Prosperity the latter part of 1843, 
and was installed soon thereafter. 

He was married, March 10, 1853, in Perry Co., Ala., 
to Elizabeth Jane Craig, daughter of Robert G. and 
Mary E. Craig. She was born October, 1830, in Perry 
Co., Ala. Six children were born to them, two sons and 
four daughters. One son, John E. Young, is living with 
his mother, Mrs. Brice of Dallas Co., Ala. Robert G. 
Craig raised eight children. Jennie, the oldest, married 
Rev. J. M. Young. Sallie married Rev. H. Quigg, of 
Covington, Ga. Kittie married Rev. J. A. Lowry, of 
Harrell's, Dallas Co., Ala. Mary married Dr. J. M. 
Boyd, of Wilcox Co., Ala., and Julia married A. P. 
Young, attorney at law, Selma, Ala. 

He was a splendid preacher and a good man, much 
loved by all who knew him, both members and non- 
members of his church. 

Young, James Little, was born in Abbeville District, 
S. C, December 8, 1808, and was a son of Francis and 
Nancy Little Young. After attending the Church Hill 
Academy in Abbeville, S. C, and the Viney Grove Aca- 
26 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 




demy in Lincoln Co., Tenn., he 
entered Miami University at 
Oxford, Ohio, and graduated in 
1832. He studied theology in 
the Associate Reformed Theo- 
logical Seminary at Allegheny, 
Pennsylvania, under Rev. John 
T. Pressly, D. D., and was li- 
censed to preach by the Second 
Presbytery of the Carolinas in 
the spring of 1835. 

In 1836 he was ordained and 



j. i,. young. installed pastor of the united 

congregations of Bethel, Laurens, Providence and 
Head Springs. Here he labored for 15 years and demo- 
ting his charge he removed to Pontotoc Co., Miss., in 
185 1, and was called to the pastorate of Bethany and 
Hopewell churches in April, 1854. His Bethany church 
was organized June 5, 1852, and was mostly made up of 
families who were members of his charge in South Caro- 
lina. He demitted the Hopewell branch of his charge in 
1856 and devoted his whole time to Bethany. He was 
married in May, 1836, to Miss Margaret Isabella Todd, 
a daughter of Andrew Todd and Mary Simpson of 
Laurens C. H., S. C. She died October 22, 1861, in 
Pontotoc Co., Miss. She was born in County Monaghan, 
Ireland. 

Mr. Young married the second time Mrs. Martha 
Jane Pressly, of Due West, S. C, January 8, 1867. She 
was a daughter of Rev. Charles Strong and Agnes Har- 
ris, and was born in Newberry Co., S. C, January 18, 
18 1820. She was the widow of the Rev. John S. Pressly, 
to whom she was married Sept. 29, 1842, and who died 
June 1, 1863. There were no children by that marriage. 

He died at his home in Lee Co., Miss., on the morning 
of January 31, 1867. He was moderator of the Synod at 
Hopewell, Newton Co., Ga., in 1845, was f° r a time 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



403 



stated clerk of the Second Presbytery. He was also 
stated clerk of the Memphis Presbytery from its or- 
ganization, April 15, 1853, until 1856. 

He was an able and faithful minister. He left at his 
death a wife and four children to cherish his memory. 
Hon. James L. Young, of Plout City, Florida, and Wil- 
liam A. Young, M. D., of Tipton County, Tenn., are 
his children. 

Zaleta, Zenon J. — Sr. Zenon J. Zaleta was the son of 
Francisco Zaleta and Dionisia Mar, and was born in 
Ozuluama, State of Vera Cruz, Mex., on the 12th of 
April, 1855. 

Until about the age of twenty-six years, his life was 
spent in the primitive agricultural life near the place of 
his birth. As a boy and young man, he was noted for 
his positive excellencies : integrity, uprightness, indus- 
try, temperance and economy. He probably never went 
to school a year in all his life. In 1881, he went from 
his home in Chiconcillo to Tampico, to learn the black- 
smith trade, and shortly after arriving in Tampico, he 
was induced by the missionary there to attend the ser- 
vice in the chapel. From the first powerfully moved by 
the truth, he was soon converted and was a happy, work- 
ing Christian. All of his unoccupied time was spent in 
spelling out word by word the Scriptures, for he could 
not read well. The Book was his daily study and he 
sought the missionary to explain and help him in his 
duty to God and fellow-men. He was the first man to 
be baptized in the Mission of the A. R. P. Church in 
Mexico, on the 26th of June, 1881. From the day of his 
baptism, which was his first communion day, deadness 
to the world and zeal for the glory of God were conspic- 
uous traits in his character. In 1882, he gave up his 
chosen calling and began a course of study under the 
missionary at Tampico with a view to the ministry. He 
was a diligent pupil and his progress most satisfactory. 



404 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



In 1885, he was given a license by the missionary and 
sent by him to Panuco, State of Vera Cruz, to establish 
Christian work in that place. In his work he was sin- 
cere, humble, uniform and intensely persevering, and his 
preaching was good and from a burning heart of love to 
Christ and souls. 

In 1887 the dreaded disease, consumption, developed, 
and he was rapidly consumed. He realized the end and 
seemed to give up the world and all its concerns, but he 
was none the less active in his Master's work. The end 
of an earnest, useful life came on the 27th of August, 
1888, in Tampico. He spoke much of his assured hope, 
and no one came to his bed that was not pointed to Christ 
as the Saviour. His last words to his wife were : "De- 
jame ir" "Let me go" . He was the first fruits of our 
preachers in Mexico for heavenly rest. 

Sr. Zaleta was married to Srita Celsa Gomez, in 1886. 
He was a tender-hearted and affectionate husband. 
They had no children. The man that walks with God 
and has his service at heart, is a good man, and few, it 
is believed, who knew Zenon Zaleta will deny him this 
honor. 




MISS MATTIE BOYCE. 



Boyce, Miss Mattie A. — 
was the youngest child of 
Mr. Samuel and Mrs. 
Louisa Nesbit Boyce of 
Sardis, Mecklenburg Co., 
N. C, and was born the 
first of May, 1868, and 
died June 22, 1903, at the 
age of thirty-five. She ob- 
tained her training for col- 
lege in Sardis Academy 
and spent two years in 
Due West Female College, 
graduating in 1891. 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



The missionary spirit had been good in the college that 
year but she had not felt called to that work. One night 
in the year following she made it a matter of special 
prayer that God would show her what she should do and 
how He would have her serve Him. The next day she 
received a letter from the Board of Foreign Missions 
asking if she would consider the matter of going to Mexi- 
co as a missionary. The result was she and Miss Steven- 
son came to Due West and studied Spanish under Dr. 
Todd and otherwise prepared themselves, and in the fall 
went to Mexico as missionaries of our church. She 
continued in that work for five years and rendered val- 
uable service to our Mexican mission in Tampico. 
Against her will but by the imperative advice of her phy- 
sician she had had to give up her work and return to 
this country. We knew Miss Boyce intimately and we 
believe it is correct to say that there has not been a day 
since that she did not long to return to the Foreign field. 
Her heart was in the work. She kept herself thor- 
oughly informed on missionary matters and her in- 
terest did not lag because she was not in the thick of the 
battle. While she could not return she was not by any 
means incapacitated for work. Under the direction of 
the Board she went all over the Church stirring up in- 
terest in the department of woman's work and our ladies' 
societies owe much to her. For several years she has 
been the Superintendant of Woman's Work in our 
Church. There she has served the Church effectively. 

For three years she was identified with the Due West 
Female College. As Lady principal of that institution 
she had a wide field of usefulness. She realized the priv- 
ileges and the responsibility that came with the position. 
Many will testify that she deepened their spiritual life, 
placed before them high ideals and showed them as they 
had never seen it before their duty to those in darkness. 
The religious life of the college was delightful during 
these years, and to her much of the credit is due. Her 



406 



SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. 



death was a great loss to the Due West Female College. 

A good woman who has known Miss Mattie from 
infancy said to us this morning, "She was indeed a child 
of the Covenant and was always a devoted Christian." 
All who knew her would bear testimony to her high 
Christian character. She was one of the most conscien- 
tious women we have ever known, a woman of faith, of 
prayer and of great zeal. She served her God and her 
church faithfully. She lived for God's glory. 



PART III. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The Abbeville A. R. P. Church. — This Church was 
organized Nov. 25th, 1889, with fourteen members. The 
following persons were elected Elders : J. C. McClain, 
W. O. Bradley and T. P. Thomson ; and Deacons : C. 
D. Haddon and J. Hayne McDill. The congregation 
worshipped in the Court House until the church was 
built in 1893. It was supplied by various ministers ap- 
pointed by the Presbytery until June, 1891, when Rev. 
F. Y. Pressly was sent as stated supply. He continued 
to give his time to the work until his removal to Due 
West to take a chair in Erskine College. The new church 
was completed in 1893, and was dedicated July 2nd, 1893. 
The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. J. S. 
Moffatt of Chester, S. C, and the prayer was offered by 
Rev. H. T. Sloan, D. D., of Cedar Springs. 

Rev. J. J. Grier was installed as pastor July 9th, 1894. 
He served for one year and four months. The church 
was again supplied for two years by the Presbytery. Mr. 
W. B. Lindsay, a student in the Seminary, supplied it 
for three months during his vacation in 1896, and Mr. W. 
A. Blakely spent his vacation here during 1897. Rev. 
H. Rabb came as stated supply for the year 1898, and 
Rev. R. C. Davidson was stated supply for 1899. Rev. 
T. W. Sloan was installed pastor Jan. 5th, 1900. He re- 
mained pastor for two years and six months. Rev. W. 
C. Ewart, the present pastor, was installed May 22nd, 
1903. He is now serving the church faithfully and ac- 
ceptably, loved by every member and respected by the 



4 o8 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

whole community. Since the organization there have 
been 99 names on the church roll. There are 55 names 
on the roll, the other 44 having been lost by death and 
removal. The present officers are : Elders, John Lyon, 
F. L. Morrow, W. T. Bradley and R. N. Tiddy ; Deacons, 
J. H. McDill, W. P. Greene and W. W. Bradley. 

Italian Colony and Alequines. — The work in the Col- 
ony was begun in 1894. The Italians that formed the 
settlement have never been reached by the Gospel. The 
congregation of Mexicans is small. The congregation 
at Due West, S. C., U. S. A., contributed liberally, and 
a little chapel was built there, and a small school was 
taught by Sra. Gila de Cruz, the wife of Rev. G. Cruz. 

After the removal of Rev. G. Cruz to Alequines this 
place was supplied by Rev. Hunter and Cruz. At Ale- 
quines a house was rented and a part of it fitted up for 
a chapel. The family occupying the remainder of the 
house. With many difficulties and in the face of constant 
opposition a little congregation was organized. No rul- 
ing elders have been ordained in this church. A school 
was established and taught by Sra. G. de Cruz. Besides 
preaching at Alequines, Rev. G. Cruz makes extended 
visits through the surrounding country, selling Bibles 
and distributing tracts. 

Amity, Iredell Co., N. C. — Dr. S. C. Millen began 
preaching about 1848 at Abner Feimsters. A house was 
built on the present site which in 1884 was remodeled 
and made to face a different direction. Also a large stand 
about 1859. Dr. Millen gave this mission one fourth of 
his time till Sept. 9, 1853. Rev. W. B. Pressly was or- 
dained and installed Nov. 9, 1855, having with Rev. John 
Patrick organized 1854. The first elders were J. N. 
Morrison and Hiram Scroggs. The good and gentle 
Pressly died Nov. 25, 1883,, giving every hour of his 
ordained ministerial life. Rev. W. M. Hunter was stated 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



409 



supply April, 1884, to April, 1885, E. E. Pressly 1886- 
1890, E. B. Anderson Nov., 1891-Nov. 17, 1892, and 
from thence pastor to his resignation April 5, 1898. 

Revs. R. E. Hough, R. C. Davidson and E. F. Griffith 
supplied till Rev. W. Y. Love was installed pastor Nov. 
18, 1901. 

Antioch Church, Dekalb County, Ga., was organized 
October 14th, 1899. It was done by the Second Presby- 
tery. It was supplied by Rev. H. Rabb, afterward by 
Rev. T. B. Stewart. Rev. E. E. Strong was its first 
pastor. He was installed September, 1902. He still 
serves them one fourth of his time. They have had one 
building erected in 1894. They enjoyed a revival in 1892 
conducted by Rev. H. B. Blakely 

Antonie's Creek, Greenbrier Co., W. Va. — Probably an 
Associate Church coming April, 1808, into the Big Spring 
A. R. Presbytery as an organized congregation. It was 
served by Rev. Wm. Adair one fourth time from 1809 
to May 25, 1814. See Sinking Creek. 

Atlanta, Ga. — In May, 1890, Rev. R. G. Miller was 
sent to Atlanta to explore the field. He found 
about 25 persons of A. R. P. faith in the city. A mission 
was opened in the heart of the city on the 1st of July, 
1890: preaching twice per month by different brethren 
whose services the Board could secure, the mission itself 
bearing the expenses of rents, lights, etc. The congre- 
gation was partially organized in 1891 by Rev. D. G. 
Caldwell at the request of the Board with 17 members, 
and supplied for three or four years by Rev. J. E. John- 
son. Rev. H. B. Blakely was appointed to this field by 
the Board for five years, and did excellent work — the 
church steadily growing under his ministrations. He be- 
gan his work Sept. 1st, 1894. 

A lot was purchased on Lloyd and Garnett streets at 



4io 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



a cost of $3,750.00, and a building erected at a cost of 
$4,200.00, which, with some street improvements, made a 
total cost of $8,000. Rev. H. B. Blakely made a canvass 
of Synod to secure funds for the building, the United 
Presbyterian Board of Church extension contributing 
$i„25o.oo. 

Mr. Blakely found a nominai membership of 32 when 
he came to Atlanta, but an available membership of only 
22. 

Rev. D. G. Phillips succeeded Mr. Blakely as pastor, 
and has now been in charge of the work for several years. 
The work is still growing and enlarging, and the congre- 
gation is well organized. The membership now numbers 
about 90. 




BACK CREEK, N. C. 



Back Creek, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, was organized 
near 1802, when the first deed was made. The congre- 
gation has occupied four church buildings or places of 
worship, South Bethany, Stand, North Bethany and 
Back Creek. The first was some little distance from and 
the second a little south of the present site. The stand 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 411 

gave place to a log church south of present brick build- 
ing; then a framed structure was supplanted, on the 
same situation by their commodious brick church. It is 
said the colored men who raised the corners of the log 
church named it Back Creek from a small stream a short 
distance south — a name not welcomed but which stuck 
fast. The present brick building was erected about 1868. 
The earliest elders and prominent members were John, 

Joseph, James and Robert Cochrane, J. McGinnis, 

Rogers, Bane and Samuel Wilson. 

They were doubtless supplied by Revs. Wm. Dixon 
and other Associate ministers, then 1812-1818 by Rev. 
James Pringle. Dr. A. Heron, Revs. Peter Campbell and 
Thomas Ketchen also supplied. Dr. Abraham Anderson 
was pastor from Oct. 3rd, 1822-1833. Early in 1833 
Rev. Archibald Whyte was installed and remained till 
1840. Rev. John Patrick gave them the bread of life till 
the ordination and installation of Rev. John Hunter, 
July 24, 1844. This relation ceased Sept. 5, 1855. 
Rev. I. G. McLaughlin was installed Oct. 24, 1856, 
and demitted Sept. 22, 1896, though he continued 
S. S. till July 1, 1899, when Rev. R. E. Hough was 
installed, demitting August 25, 1902. Rev. T. B. Stewart 
began stated labors in the fall of 1902 and continues 
their minister. 

Back Creek has been blessed with several gracious re- 
vivals, furnished some of the most useful citizens of 
Mecklenburg County. Two ruling elders at least for 
long service and devotion stand out prominent — E. P. and 
Col Brice Cochrane. The loveliest and longest lived 
minister in the Synod — Rev. I. G. McLaughlin — still 
holds their unwearied affections, greatly to their credit. 

Revs. W. W. Orr, D. D., D. G. Caldwell, W. O. and 
J. B. Cochrane were reared in her bounds. William L. 
Caldwell, Thomas N. Johnson, Jas. R. Utley and Samuel 
W. Caldwell are the present bench of ruling elders. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Bartow, Fla. — A 
transcript from the 
sessional books of 
this church will give 
a clear understanding 
of its origin. We, 
therefore, quote as 
follows : 

"W e, the under- 
signed persons, being 
members of different 
evangelical Christian 
churches in various 
places, gathered to- 
gether at Bartow, 
homes, and believing 
Fla., our present 
that it would be for 
the advancement of 
the cause of religion, 
and our own spiritual 
edification, d o re- 
spectfully petition the Second Presbytery of the Associ- 
ate Reformed Presbyterian Church of the South, through 
your representative, Rev. C. S. Young, to organize us 
into a congregation under the care of your Presbytery." 
In response to this petition, Presbytery directed Rev. 

C. S. Young to visit Bartow and organize a congrega- 
tion, if conditions appeared favorable. Accordingly 
on the 1 2th of January, 1890, he organized the petition- 
ers into a congregation of fifteen members, with S. J. C. 
Dunlap and P. W. Daniel as elders, and Geo. F. Adams 
and W. L. McDowell as deacons. 

The Board of Home Missions took charge of the mat- 
ter, and sent a succession of ministers to preach to the 
congregation until November, 1892. At this time Rev. 

D. G. Phillips, Jr., was installed as its pastor, and re- 




SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 413 



tained this relation to it until December, 1896. He then 
demitted his charge. Again this work of supplies de- 
volved on the Board of Home Missions. As before, the 
Board promptly, and almost without the loss of a day, 
supplied the pulpit until the summer of 1898. In July of 
that year Rev. E. B. Kennedy, having accepted a call to 
the pastorate, arrived in Bartow, and on the 10th of that 
month preached his first sermon as pastor. By appoint- 
ments of Presbytery, he was installed on the 20th of 
August, Revs. C. S. Young and S. W. Reid conducting 
the installation services. The former addressed the can- 
didate and the latter the congregation. 

In the spring of 1892 the church building was so far 
completed that Presbytery held its meeting in it. In the 
summer of that year it was finished. It is a substantial 
building, with a seating capacity of 350, in the center of 
the town, within easy reach of the members. Including 
the new pews added in 1896, it cost about $4,500.00. 
The present membership is 70, with seven elders and one 
deacon. 

In addition to two sermons every Sabbath, the congre- 
gation has a weekly prayer meeting, a Sabbath School 
and an active Ladies' Mission and Aid Society. 

Beaver Creek, Lancaster Co., S. C. — Beaver Creek, in 
Lancaster Co., S. C, appears in the Minutes of the Gen- 
eral Synod in 1806 and 1807, and nothing more can be 
learned of it. 

Bessemer, Gaston Co., N. C, supplied as a mission for 
four or five years by Rev. J. M. Garrison till organized 
Feb. 13, 1898. He continued his welcome ministrations 
till Rev. A. T. Lindsay was ordained and installed pas- 
tor Sept. 27, 1 901. It has about 30 members, and Messrs. 
John T. Oates and Zachariah Payne are elders. 

Bethany, S. C— Bethany Church, in York Co., S. C, 
owes its origin to the introduction of hymns' into the 



4 i4 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

worship of the Presbyterian Churches in the vicinity of 
Kings Mountain. This innovation caused the withdrawal 
of a number of families from the Presbyterian Churches. 
These sent Andrew Ferguson and John Miller to a meet- 
ing of the Associate Reformed Synod of the Carolinas, 
held at Black River, in Sumter Co., S. C, asking for 
supplies. 

Rev. James Rogers preached for them for awhile at 
least. Sometime afterwards they petitioned for the 
stated labors of Rev. Wm. Dixon, a licentiate of the 
Associate Reformed body. For eighteen months or 
more they worshipped in a log cabin on the head of 
Crowder's Creek on the skirts of Kings Mountain. The 
people worshiping at this point, and the people at Sha- 
ron and Carmel, united and called Rev. Wm. Dixon, who 
was ordained and installed at Sharon in the year 1797. 
Bethany proper was organized at a stand near the place 
where the present church now is, in 1797. Bethany en- 
joyed the services of Mr. Dixon for about thirty-three 
years. For the most of this time it was in connection 
with the Associate Synod. After Mr. Dixon's death, 
the church was supplied for a few years by Rev. Mr. 
Banks, but his abolition sentiments made him unpopular, 
and he returned to the North. 

The next pastor of Bethany was Rev. R. C. Grier, D. 
D., who was ordained and installed in June, 1841, and 
this pleasant and profitable relation continued for seven 
years. At which time Dr. Grier was called to the Presi- 
dency of Erskine College. In 1849 ^- ev - E. E. Boyce, D. 
D., became pastor and this continued until 1885. During 
the long pastorate of Dr. Boyce, the church grew and 
prospered, and continued to be a great force for good in 
the community. 

After Dr. Boyce resigned the church remained vacant 
for about two years, being regularly supplied with 
preaching by the Presbytery. In 1887 Rev. R. M. Stev- 
enson, the present pastor, took charge of the church, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 415 



and under his pastorate Bethany has continued to be 
one of the best churches of the Presbytery. 

Bethany, Lee Co., Miss., is located at "Brice's Cross 
Roads," six miles from Guntown and about the same 
distance from Baldwyn., 

Among the early settlers in the community mention 
is made of James Turner, who came in 1845, followed 
two years later by John Watt, both of Anderson Co., S. 
C. Others came in 1851, several of whom accompanied 
Rev. J. L. Young from Providence, Laurens Co., S. C. 

It is thought that Rev. D. P. Robinson was the first 
Associate Reformed minister, who, in 1846, preached 
here. Rev. S. P. Davis also preached here in 1849. The 
house used was a small log cabin not far from the cross 
roads, called Providence, belonging to the Methodists. 
In this house Rev. J. L. Young in 185 1 preached twice 
a month to the Associate Reformed people; now be- 
come a considerable body. And here the Associate Re- 
formed Church, named Bethany, was organized June 5, 

1852, by a commission of the Alabama Presbytery, com- 
posed of Revs. H. H. Robison and J. L. Young, and 
Elders McBryde, Foster and Wisunon. Twenty-five 
names were enrolled, 4 of whom were colored persons. 
Thomas Bryson, Samuel Bryson and John K. Crocket 
were elected elders. 

Steps were at once taken to build a house of wor- 
ship. Maj. Humphreys donated a lot containing three 
and three-fourth acres lying near Providence, and the 
church occupied for public worship on Sabbath July 31, 

1853, Rev. J. L. Young preaching from Isaiah 56 : 6. 7. 
By order of Synod, Bethany became a charter member 

of the Presbytery of Memphis, which was organized at 
Ebenezer, Miss., April 15, 1853. I n August a call was 
extended Rev. J. L. Young, and on April 15, 1854, he 
was installed pastor, Rev. H. H. Robison preaching 
the sermon, Rev. J. A. Sloan propounding questions and 
addressing pastor and people. 



4 i6 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The church grew rapidly. At the installation of Mr. 
Young, two years from the organization, 52 members 
are reported, and a year later 92 names were enrolled. In 
the fall of 1856 Rev. J. L. Young, who was pastor also 
of Hopewell, was, upon petition to Presbytery, released 
from that field that he might "give the whole of his time 
to the work at Bethany." The following year, 1857, is 
a memorable one in that congregation, owing to the 
prevalance of a fatal scourge of dysentery. In an obitu- 
ary notice Mr. Young mentioned 20 persons who "have 
died in my congregation this summer." Those were sad 
days, but sadder were to come. During 1858 and '59 
troubles began which greatly disturbed the peace and 
prosperity of Bethany. In 1861 they report to Pres- 
bytery, after alluding to the partial adjustment of the 
troubles, "Our church has been materially decreased in 
numbers by death, disaffections and removals." But an- 
other shadow overfell just here : The war between the 
States. Many went to the front nevermore to return, the 
church itself on account of the proximity of the armies 
and the distraction of the lines was closed for a period. 
Immediately around Bethany was fought the Battle of 
Brices' Cross Roads, or Tishomingo Creek. The church 
battled scarred, became a hospital where the wounded 
Federal Soldiers were nursed for weeks. "On the 22nd 
of July, 1864, the good women met and cleansed the sanc- 
tuary and public worship was again resumed July 31,, 
1864. During these years of war and desolation the pastor 
faithfully ministered to the fl'ock, and when peace came 
was doing what he could to repair the breaches, when 
suddenly on the 31st of January, 1867, he passed away. 

Rev. S. A. Agnew, on request of congregation, was 
sent as stated supply in April, 1867, was called and in- 
stalled pastor July 31, 1868. This pastorate happily 
continued until his death, July 15, 1902. 

In 1872 a new church was built and occupied for the 
first time Dec. 15, Rev. D. A. Todd of Presbyterian 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Church preaching from Luke 14; 16, 17. It is on a lot 
of two and one-half acres, donated by William Brice. 
Rev. J. L. Boyd is at present serving the congregation. 

Bethel, Wilcox Co., Ala., is in the eastern section of 
the county, and a few miles west of the Louisville and 
Nashville R. R., on what is known as Oak Hill. It was 
organized about the year 1856 by the Alabama Presby- 
tery. Thirty-two members entered the organization, 
15 male and 17 female, representing 14 families and 7 
unmarried persons. Four elders were elected at this 
time, but names are not given. There were no deacons 
chosen. The Rev. John Miller, D. D., was the first pas- 
tor and began his labors in 1857 an d continued until 
1867, a period of ten years. Fie was succeeded by Dr. 
William Moffatt Grier, who was installed that year, 
1867, and continued until 1871, when he was called by 
the Synod to the Presidency of Erskine College. Dr. 
Miner immediately resumed the pastorate of Bethel 
and served the congregation till the spring of 1878. In 
the fall of 1879 Rev - H. M. Henry, D. D., was installed 
pastor and is at present their faithful shepherd, labor- 
ing among them with great acceptance and efficiency. 

Bethel has erected two houses of worship. The first 
church building was dedicated July 5, 1857, and Rev. 
John Miller, D. D., preached the sermon. This date is 
given in Thomas Clark McBryde's old book. The second 
house and the one now occupied by the congregation was 
built and dedicated Nov. 10, 1895, the Rev. E. P. Mc- 
Clintock, D. D., preaching the sermon. It is a commo- 
dious frame structure, "beautiful for situation" and well 
adapted to the needs of the congregation. This is one 
of the strong, active congregations of the Synod. The 
membership are many of them well-to-do and prosperous. 
They are liberal with their means and interested in every 
good work of the church. 

This church has given some strong men to the world, 
27 



4i8 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



who have become prominent in their spheres of activity. 
■» Among them mention is made of J. N. and B. M. Miller, 

of Camden, Ala., in the legal profession, also Judge John 
H. Miller, for awhile professor of mathematics in Ers- 
kine College, now a lawyer of prominence in Birming- 
ham, Ala. These are sons of the first pastor of the 
church. One minister was reared in this congregation, 
the Rev. James G. Dale, now a missionary of the A. R. 
Church in Mexico. 




BETHEL,, GA. 



Bethel, Burke County, Georgia, is among the very 
oldest churches in the Synod. It is known that the 
Psalms of David were sung in this vicinity early in the 
eighteenth century. But there is no record of an organ- 
ized church prior to 1770. At that time a church was 
built on Buckhead Creek. Their first pastor was Rev. 
Thomas Beattie. He died soon after he began to serve 
the church. Rev. Wm. Donaldson was the next pastor. 
He was a man of wealth and influence. When the strug- 
gle for American independence began he stood by the 
King, while most of his people were on the side of the 
Colonies. He left in 1776, and died of ship fever in 
Charleston. The church was now vacant for many years. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



419 



Rev. Josiah Lewis and others preaching for them occa- 
sionally. The next regular supply was Rev. William 
McCamah. He began his work in 1784, remaining until 
1788. They were then supplied by Thomas Clark, Mr. 
Caddy and Peter McMullen. During this time (1789) 
a call was presented to the Presbytery of Moneghan, 
Ireland. In response Rev. David Bothwell came. He 
was installed in 1790. Pie died June 1st, 1801. At this 
time the Buckhead Church having been moved a time or 
two, was finally located where Bethel now stands. There 
was also a church in the town of Louisville during this 
pastorate. The ruling elders were Governor Jared Ir- 
vine, Gov. James Jackson, Gov. David Imanuel and 
others. After the death of David Bothwell the church 
was vacant again for some time. Rev. Alexander Por- 
ter and Rev. David Kerr preaching for the)m a part of 
this time. Rev. Joseph Lowry was installed pastor in 
1814. He was their pastor until his death, July 20, 1840. 
Rev. J. S. Pressly was installed pastor in 1842. He de- 
mitted the charge in 1845. Rev. D. G. Phillips was in- 
stalled on Aug. nth, 1849. During his pastorate a 
church was organized at Louisville and Pine Hill in 1840. 
The elders were Samuel Gordon, Thomas Little, Wil- 
liam Patterson and John Allen. When Dr. Phillips was 
installed they were Robert Boyd, William Patterson, R. 
J. Patterson and W. S. Lowry. In 1876 Dr. Phillips 
demitted the Bethel branch of his pastoral charge. 
Bethel was then supplied by Rev. A. L. Patterson. In 
May, 1877, Rev. J. C. Galloway was installed. He con- 
tinued until 1884. Rev. J. S. Mills was installed in 1885 
and is still their pastor. The present Bench of Elders 
are J. D. H. Alexander, E. T. Agerton, Wm. Johnston 
and W. L. McBride. 

Bethel, Cleveland Co., N. C. — Organized March 4th, 
1876, by division of Nebo. Supplied from organization 
till June 1, 1877, by Rev. J. M. McLain, when he be- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



came pastor, resigning Sept - — , 1882. Rev. W. Y. Love 
served as stated supply from Dec., 1882, till March, 1885. 
Rev. J. M. Grier having supplied this church for some 
time before was installed pastor Aug. 17, 1888, and re- 
signed Sept. 3rd, 189 1. Rev. J. M. Garrison was or- 
dained and installed pastor April 27, 1892, and still jmin- 
isters. A large and substantial church was erected in 
1876, mostly by the generosity of Mr. W. O. Ware. 

Bethel, (Ora), Laurens Co., S. C. — This church, 
known also in the early minutes of Presbytery as "Ma- 
dole's Old Field," and as "Warrior Creek," is possibly 
one of the oldest in the Synod. It is mentioned as a va- 
cancy in the year 1790, when the Presbytery was organ- 
ized. But the earliest records go back only to the year 
1808. About this time (which must be an error) it is 
stated that the congregation was organized by Rev. John 
Rennick, Jr. On June 28, 1809, Rev. Rennick became 
stated 'supply of the church in connection with his pas- 
torate of Gilders Creek in Newberry Co. He continued 
to supply the church until March 10, 18 12, when he be- 
came pastor. He remained pastor until Nov. nth, 1825. 
For some sixteen years Mr. Rennick, the first preacher, 
continued to minister to this people. His resignation was 
due to a lack of support. 

The first elders of Bethel church were Alexander 
Taylor and Maxey, McCormick, after the death of Mr. 
Taylor, and the removal of Mr. McCormick to Ohio, 
the following elders were ordained : W. Cowan, Dr. 
John Todd, Robert Gilliland. After Mr. Rennick gave 
up the pastorate of the church he continued to preach 
for some time, once a month, for the people until feeble 
health compelled him to give up work. The church was 
then vacant for a number of years, but was supplied by 
Dr. John T. Pressly and Rev. Henry Bryson for several 
years. About the time that father Bryson was supply- 
ing the church, as probationer, John McClintock and 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



James Taylor were elected to the eldership. Drs. E. E. 
and James P. Pressly preached frequently at Bethel 
during this period of its history, while it was without a 
pastor. In the year 1836 Rev. J. L. Young was called 
and settled as pastor. He had four churches under his 
care — Bethel, Laurens C. H., Providence and Head 
Springs. In 1851 the pastoral relationship was dissolved, 
Mr. Young moving to Bethany, Miss., taking a good 
part of his Providence congregation with him. Rev. J. L. 
Young is spoken of as an earnest and instructive preach- 
er, a man of meek and patient spirit, much beloved by 
his people. 

Rev. D. F. Haddon had been associated with Mr. 
Young as an assistant a number of years before his re- 
moval to Mississippi. After the pastoral relation at 
Bethel with Mr. Young was dissolved Mr. Haddon con- 
tinued to supply the church, and in 1854 was settled as 
pastor. His charge was Bethel, Head Springs and 
Providence. For fifty years he preached for the people 
of Bethel, for more than forty he was pastor. . He had 
given up the church two of three years before his death 
which occurred in December, 1896. The session of 
Bethel, John McClintock, John Fleming, James R. Todd, 
and F. R. McCowan, who were living when he entered 
upon the work, were all gone. Father Haddon's name is 
still in great honor among his people. 

After Father Haddon demitted his church, the people 
were supplied for some time by Rev. J. J. Grier, also 
by Rev. J. A. Smith, and perhaps others. Rev. H. Rabb 
was finally called and settled as pastor in 1896. After he 
demitted his charge Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco was stated 
supply from 1897 to 1899. Then Rev. B. H. Grier was 
called in 190 1, and was settled as pastor August, 1901, 
and still continues in this pleasant relation. The con- 
gregation now numbers nearly a hundred. It is not so 
large as it once was, having given off many of its mem- 
bers to neighboring congregations. But it still has a 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



good membership. A flourishing Sabbath School with 
many children coming in as good material. An interest- 
ing Young Peoples' Christian Union meets twice a month 
with about 25 members. There is a good Ladies' Mission- 
ary Society meeting once a month, and a Bible Class 
with weekly meetings. The present session consists of 
W. A. McClintock, D. Y. Thompson, Dr. A. F. Blakely, 
W. M. Bryson and S. H. Fleming; Deacons, W. T. 
Blakely, R. H. Fleming and W. B. Blakely. Three 
church buildings have been erected at Bethel. The first 
was a log house with board seats set upon pegs or stick 
legs, without backs. The second church was a union 
building erected jointly with the Presbyterians in the 
year 1882. In 1896 the congregation sold its interest in 
the union church to their brethren of the Presbyterian 
Church and erected the present convenient and attrac- 
tive building a few hundred yards north of the old 
church. 

Bethel, Lincoln Co., Tenn. — It is not known when it 
was organized, but Rev. Henry Bryson was its first pas- 
tor. Rev. Thomas Parkinson was installed pastor over 
Bethel in 1851, and demitted the pastorate Jan. 8, 1857. 
Rev. A. S. Sloan became pastor during that same year. 
Rev. W. S. Castles became pastor Nov. 2, 1893, and 
demitted it Sept. 29, 1894. The following year, 1895, 
Bethel was consolidated with New Hope and formed 
Elk Valley.. 

Bcthesda, Ga. — This church, located in Cobb Co., Ga., 
was organized March 24th, 1842, by order of Presbytery, 
Rev. T. T. Turner acting as Moderator. It had 12 mem- 
bers at the time of organization, and Messrs. Cornelius 
Gordon and David Boyd were chosen ruling elders. In 
1849 Wm. R. Chesnut was added to the bench of elders, 
and in 1850 D. W. Henderson, and in 1862 John Mc- 
Donald also. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



From 1842 to 1844 the Rev. T. T. Turner was pastor, 
and in 1844 Synod sent Rev. D. C. Haslet to this field, 
and he began work in 1845. He was succeeded by Rev. 
John T. Pressly in 1848. In the fall of 1848 Rev. A. 
E. Ellis was called for one-fourth time, and on Friday 
before the 4th Sabbath of April, 1849, was installed. 
He demitted the charge in 1855, and died the same year. 
From 1856 to 1862 several ministers served them for 
very brief periods, viz., Revs. Jos. McDaniel, Henry 
Quigg, Thomas Turner. By appointment of Synod Rev. 
Thomas Turner was sent as stated supply in 1862. How 
long this arrangement continued we do not know. 

In 1855 there were 17 families represented in the 
congregation, and jn all 70 persons were members of the 
organization from first to last. 

In 1873 the congregation dissolved, part joining the 
Presbyterian Church and part the A. R. Church at Pros- 
perity, now Doraville, Ga. 

Bethlehem, S. C. — Probably for three-fourths of a 
century there has been preaching at this point, though 
recently organized into a church. Many will recall 
"Groggy Spring" ; a misnomer, however, as Bethlehem 
has always been its proper name, so stipulated by party 
who gave the land for church purposes, A number of 
ministers of A. R. P. Church living in Due West preached 
here. Among whom were Drs. Hemphill, Bonner and 
Young. The church was organized May 4th, 1889, 
by Dr. R. Lathan and elders Wm. Lowry, Wm. Kennedy 
and R. S. Galloway, of Due West, with 7 members; S. 
P. Pressly and W. T. Ellis, who, with Mr. Sloan Ellis, 
constitute the session at present. Rev. Dr. Lathan 
served the congregation from May, 1889, until Oct., 
1892. Rev. Wm. Grier, D. D., from Nov., 1892, until 
his death, Sept., 1899. Rev. F. Y. Pressly from Oct., 
1899 — May, 1900. 

At present the church has about 37 members and has 
been served by Rev. D. G. Caldwell since Sept., 1900. 



424 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Beulah, Shelby Co., Tenn., was presumably a charter 
member of the Memphis Presbytery. It was originally 
known as Union, more commonly, "Log Union," prob- 
ably suggested by the building in which services were 
first held. It is located 20 miles Northeast of Memphis 
and about 12 miles South of Rosemark. At the first 
meeting of the Memphis Presbytery, 1853, a petition was 
presented by Union for a reorganization of that congre- 
gation, and it is supposed that the name was then changed 
to Beulah. It was regularly supplied, generally with a 
monthly appointment. In 1872 it united with Mt. Carmel 
in calling Rev. R. L. Grier, who was regularly installed 
over both congregations in 1873. He demitted the Mt. 
Carmel branch of his charge in 1879, but continued as 
pastor of Beulah until his death in January of 1881. 
Since that time Beulah has been supplied generally in 
connection with some pastorate, but it has not had a pas- 
tor since 1881. Revs. D. W. Reid and H. Rabb occa- 
sionally supplied the pulpit from Richland, and Rev. 
David Pressly, D. D., while pastor of Bloomington, 
1 886- 1 89 1, preached for them regularly. Since then Rev. 
J. P. Erwin and several other brethren ministered to 
this congregation for longer or shorter periods. 
The growth of this church has been greatly hindered 
by internal conditions which have prevailed for a long 
period of time. A want of harmony and a neglect of 
Christian forbearance in love have crippled the peace, 
purity and power of the church. A work of grace and 
the recognition of the divine order — "peace within thy 
walls — prosperity within thy palaces" — will doubtless yet 
cause that field to blossom as the rose. 

Big Creek, Burke Co., N. C, was an Associate vacancy 
near Morganton, and organized some time before 18 19. 
The name was at one time Morgan, then Bridge Creek, 
and later McGiliards, believed to be the same or succes- 
sors. In 1822 there were 4 families and 7 members, in 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



1840 there were 7 families and 12 members. After this 
no records in our possession show what became of this 
vacancy. 

Big Spring, Chester Co., S. C, appears on the roll of 
the Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas from 181 1 until 
1820. In 181 1 it united with Neely's Creek, and Shiloh 
in a call to Rev. John Mushat, which he declined. This 
is all the information that can be obtained of this church. 

Blanche, Lincoln Co., Tenn., is about 7 miles from 
Prosperity church and the two form the present pastorate 
of the Rev. J. B. Hood. It was organized about the year 
1870 by the Tennessee Presbytery. It was first supplied 
by the Rev. A. S. Sloan, to whom the organization was 
largely due. 

Rev. J. B. Muse was the first pastor, installed in 1873 
or 1874. He was succeeded by Rev. O. Y. Bonner, who 
was installed perhaps in 1887. Rev. A. Ranson followed 
him in the pastorate, being installed in the fall of 1895. 
The present incumbent, the Rev. J. B. Hood, was in- 
stalled pastor July 5, 1902. Each of these pastors gave 
this church about one-thjrd time. 

Blanche has had but one church building, erected in 
the winter of 1870 and '71, and jointly owned with the 
Methodists. They each occupy the church for worship 
day about, and have worked together in peace and 
harmony. 

Bloomington, Tipton Co., Tenn., was named from a 
small town (now extinct) by that name about 3 miles 
east of Brighton and about same distance north of Salem 
church. The exact date of its organization, the number 
composing it, etc., are unknown to us. "The Rev. 
(John) Wilson reported that the order for the organiza- 
tion of a church at Bloomington had been obeyed." 
This from minutes of Presbytery (Memphis) April 22, 



426 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

1864. For some time Rev. Jas. H. Strong was directed 
by Presbytery to supply "Salem and connections." 
April 7, 1866, Rev. Strong was installed pastor of Salem 
and Bloomington, but this pastoral relation with the lat- 
ter continued but little over a year, being dissolved by 
request of pastor and people Sept. 7, 1867. On the 29th 
of August, 1868, the Rev. H. L. Murphy was installed 
over Bloomington and Richland. He continued pastor 
of Bloomington until his death, November 24, 1878. 
Mr. Murphy was a fluent and impressive speaker and a 
faithful pastor and the church grew under his ministry. 
Rev. W. Y. Love was installed pastor of Bloomington 
June 19, 1 88 1, for three-fourths time. This relation 
continued for a year and three months, being dissolved 
by mutual consent Sept. 1, 1882. The pulpit was sup- 
plied by Rev. Horace Rabb during 1883 and 1884. Rev. 
David Pressly was installed pastor October 30, 1886, and 
continued in this relation until his death, July 29, 1891. 
During the next five years various persons supplied the 
pulpit. In the mean time steps were taken looking to- 
ward the removal of the church building to Brighton on 
the Illinois Central R. R., and uniting with the Mt. Pa- 
ran church in forming one organization. This seemed 
a necessity to both congregations. The old town of 
Bloo/mington had disappeared, both churches were weak, 
and a promise of growth and strength was held out at 
Brighton as a central point for each that has been fully 
realized. The year 1896 will be remembered as an event- 
ful one in the history of these churches. On the 25th of 
April of that year Bloomington and Mt. Paran were 
consolidated and named Brighton, and the succeeding 
history of these churches will be found under the sketch 
of Brighton. It is also proper to state here that on Oct. 
19, 1896, Rev. W. H. Millen was installed over Brigh- 
ton, and this relation still continues. The Sessions and 
Boards of Deacons of Bloomington and Mt. Paran by 
order of Presbytery were consolidated in the united 
church. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Bottetout, Bottetout Co., Va. — Rev. Wm. Baldrige 
was by the A. R. Presbytery of Pa. "admitted to the 
pastoral charge of the united congregations of James 
River and Bottetout in Virginia August, 1793." It is 
very possible the congregation emigrated to Ohio. 




Boyce Memorial, 
King's Mountain, 
Cleveland Co., N. C. 
— Contemporaneous 
in her organization, 
1876, with the town. 
Rev. J. M. McLain 
was first stated, and 
resident supply, and 
became pastor June 
1, 1877, resigning 
April 5, 1 88 1. Rev. 
W. Y. Love served 
as regular supply 
from Dec, 1882, to 
March, 1885, and 
Rev. R. M. Steven- 
son one year begin- 
ning April, 1886. 
Having supplied for 

some time previous, Rev. J. M. Grier was installed pas- 
tor Aug. 17, 1888, and demitted his charge Sept. 3rd, 
1891. Rev. J. M. Garrison began stated labors January 
21, 1892, being ordained and installed pastor April 27th 
following. 

The first building was erected in 1876, a comfortable 
frame structure, at a cost of $700.00. The second is 
brick, of modern style, more centrally located, costing 
$4,000.00, and dedicated Oct. 30th, 1898, by an eloquent 
sermon from Rev. J. T. Chalmers, D. D., Ex. 28 134. 
At the same time a large and comfortable parsonage 



BOYCE MEMORIAL. KING S MT.. N. C. 



428 • SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



was provided, costing $1,500.00 She was refreshed with 
a revival in April, 1892. W. O. Ware, I. B. Falls, W. 
B. Weir, J. F. McGill, and Capt. F. Dilling are ruling 
elders. 

Bradley, S. C. — This church is a branch of Cedar 
Springs — a part of the same congregation. There are 
two places of worship, but one organization. The build- 
ing at Bradley was erected largely by General P. H. 
Bradley. It was put up in 1886 and '87. This devoted 
man wanted a house of worship near his home. Dr. 
Sloan preached the dedication sermon in July, 1887. 
Not long after the church was completed, General Brad- 
ley was called to rest, August 14th, 1887. Dr. Sloan 
continued to preach for the people here as well as at 
Cedar Springs until his death. Dr. Robt. Lathan was 
called and settled at Bradley, September 28th, 1894. He 
labored most faithfully and acceptably here until called 
to his reward by death, June 15^,1896. Rev. D. G. 
Phillips was chosen pastor and did most excellent work 
until December 1st, 1901, when he took up the work in 
Atlanta, Ga. The church is vacant at this time, receiving 
supplies of preaching from Rev. J. W. Good, Rev. H. B. 
Blakely and others. 

Brick Church. — The Brick Church is situated in the 
western part of Fairfield County, South Carolina, about 
twelve miles from Winnsboro. It sits in a beautiful 
grove on the banks of Little River. 

It was here that the Synod of the Carolinas, which is 
now the Associate Reformed Synod of the South, was 
organized on May 9th, 1803. For this, as well as other 
reasons, the history of this church is full of interest to 
all the people of the A. R. P. churches. The church was 
first called Little River, and afterwards Ebenezer, but 
for many years it has been known as the Brick Church. 
When it was organized, we are unable to say. Before 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 




BRICK CHURCH, S. C. 



the Revolutionary War, a log church was situated two 
miles west of the present church, and when the present 
church -'vas built in 1788, the location was changed to 
the present site, in order to accommodate the people who 
lived on the east side of Little River. 

The deed to the land on which the Brick Church stands 
shows that it was conveyed on June 2nd, 1793, by Henry 
Crumpton, to the following persons designated in the 
deed as members of this church, viz: Benj. Boyd, John 
Martin, Jas. Gray, Chas. Montgomery, John Gray, James 
Kincaid, Aaron Hawthorne, Thomas Lewers, Wm. Bell, 
Andrew Gray,Wm. McMorries, Sr., Wm. McMorries, Jr., 
Daniel Cochran, Callom Forbes, Hugh Montgomery, 
Robt. Gray, Wm. Thompson, Wm. Richardson, Robt. 
Martin, Alexander Kincaid, James Montee, Robt. 
McGill, Wm. Holmes, Wm. Kearnaghan, H. Ronalds, 
R. Robertson, Hugh Robertson, Wm. Kennedy, Hy 
Harton, S. Richardson, Wm. Watt, J. Kennedy, Wm. 
Southwick, and Agnes Calhoun. In addition to these, 
we find also that families of the following na^mes belonged 
to the church prior to 1791, viz: McKemie, Davidson, 
Turnipseed, and perhaps others. In later times, we find 



430 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

the following additional names as members and some of 
them officers in the church : Nelson, Sloan, Robinson, 
McDowell, Watt, Martin, Player, Curry and Bell. 

Mrs. Hutchinson, a member of the church, who died 
a few years ago, said that she remembered hearing her 
mother and others tell, that after the crops were laid by, 
that their fathers and grandfathers would go to the brick- 
yard, and tramp . the mud into mortar with their bare 
feet, put it into moulds with their hands, carry it out in 
the sun to dry, then burning the kilns by night and day, 
and that to them it was a labor of love and pleasure. It 
took them a long time to get ready to build, but the build- 
ing was finally completed in 1788, and it stands to-day, 
as strong and solid as at the first, showing that these old 
men did their work well. 

Alexander and James Kincaid, and perhaps many oth- 
ers, did a great deal in building the church. The Kin- 
caids were large planters, and were officers in the Rev- 
olutionary War. Adam and John Hawthorne were el- 
ders in the church prior to 1791. Rev. James Rogers 
was the first pastor of the church, so far as we can learn. 
He was ordained and installed over the Brick Church, 
then called Little River, in connection with King's Creek, 
and Cannon's Creek, in Newberry Co., on Feb. 23rd, 
1791. Mr. Rogers continued to be pastor until his death, 
Aug. 2 1 st, 1830. He is buried at the Brick Church. 
Rev. James Boyce was the next pastor, and was installed 
in 1832, and continued until 1843. Rev. Thomas Ketchin 
was pastor from 1844 until 1852. Rev. C. B. Betts was 
pastor from 1855 until 1869. 

During the pastorates of Revs. Rogers, Boyce, 
Ketchin, and a part of the pastorate of Rev. Betts, the 
Brick Church was a large and flourishing congregation. 
The membership was composed of the wealthy and cul- 
tured planters of the community, and large crowds 
waited on the gospel at the Brick Church. Mr. Rogers 
taught a large High School at Monticello, near by, which 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



431 



was attended by pupils from many parts of the State. 
The Brick Church was made up of the noble men and 
women of the Old South. In 1852, the church and 
graveyard was inclosed with a granite stone wall. 

Mr. John Glazier Rabb and Mr. R. W. Sloan gave their 
personal supervision to the work, and much credit is due 
to them for its success. 

Mrs. Nancy Rabb, also, ever showed a deep interest in 
the old church. For twenty-five years previous to her 
death in 1900, Mrs. Rabb gathered together a number of 
hands each year, and had the graveyard thoroughly 
cleaned. Through her efforts also the church was kept 
in repair during the years when it was dormant, and she 
now sleeps among her kindred and friends in the 
graveyard of the old Brick Church. The war of 
secession played havoc with the Brick Church. It 
was left in a state almost of disorganization. Its 
men were slain, the homes of many of its people were 
left in ashes by Sherman's army, and the church itself 
was dismantled and used as quarters by the invading 
army. Out of the great number of men from the Brick 
Church,who went to the war, only a few returned. 

There is one little incident, however, in connection 
with this old church, that throws a little light upon the 
blackness of war. 

When the Federal army came to Little River, just at 
the church, they found that the Confederates whom they 
were pursuing, had destroyed the bridge. So they tore 
up the flooring and sleepers of the church and rebuilt 
the bridge. Some one of the company was stirred in 
heart as he saw the desecration of the Lord's house, 
and he wrote in pencil on the door facing of the church, 
these words, which are legible to-day, after the lapse of 
thirty-eight years : "Citizens of this community : Please 
excuse us for defacing your house of worship so much. 
It was absolutely necessary to effect a crossing over the 
Creek, as the Rebs destroyed the bridge. — A Yankee." 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



So great was the blow from the War and its results 
that the church declined, until it disappeared from the 
roll of the Presbytery without any formal act of disor- 
ganization. After Mr. Betts resigned in 1869, occasional 
supplies were sent by the Presbytery, but even this 
ceased about twenty years ago. The old Brick Church, 
however, was not to remain dead forever. About the 
year 1891, Rev. A. G. Kirkpatrick, the pastor of New 
Hope, began to cultivate the field again, and under his 
active labors, and the fostering care of the Session of 
Xew Hope, it revived so rapidly that on Aug. 25th, 1893, 
it was reorganized with twenty-one members. 

In 1896, Rev. A. G. Kirkpatrick was installed over the 
Brick Church in connection with Prosperity, in Newberry 
Co., and this pastorate continued until 1899, when he re- 
signed on account of ill health. 

The history of this old church has been a noble one. 

Prof. McKemie, of Georgia, whose ancestors for three 
generations are in the cemetery around the old Brick 
Church, says : "That old Brick Church has been a seed 
bed from which transplants have gone throughout the 
South." After speaking of the names of the families 
already mentioned in this sketch, he says : "If I were in 
the cemetery, I could recall many other names whose 
generations have carried Presbyterianism from South 
Carolina to the Pacific Coast. I recall two ministers, 
Revs. Joseph and John E. Davidson (who were baptized 
in the Brick Church by Dr. Rogers) who passed their 
ministerial lives in North Louisiana. For thirty-five 
years Joseph Davidson preached more sermons, married 
and buried more people, than any minister in North Lou- 
isiana. John E. Davidson was a graduate of Princeton, 
and in three years organized six or seven churches in 
Louisiana, but he 'went away' just as his star was 
mounting." 

In addition to these, four other ministers have come 
from the Brick Church, viz : Rev. J. B. Watt, Rev. J. A. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Sloan, Rev. John E. Martin, and Rev. Horace Rabb. 
There are others perhaps, but we have not been able to 
get their names. 

The old communion service, with its waiter, tankard, 
cups, and Irish linen, more than a century old, is still 
in possession of the congregation. 

Brighton, Tipton Co., Tenn. — Is on the Illinois Cen- 
tral R. R., about 30 miles northeast of Memphis and 
seven miles southwest from Covington, the county seat. 
It was formed April 25, 1896, by the consolidation of 
Bloomington and Mt. Paran, at this place, the church 
taking its name from the village in which it is located. 
The Sessions and Boards of Deacons of the two churches 
were consolidated in the united church, and the Rev. W. 
H. Millen was installed as the first pastor, Oct. 19, 1896, 
giving one-half time to this congregation. It is a live 
and growing church and seems to have entered an era of 
prosperity and usefulness. The church building is the 
old Bloomington church building, remodeled and nicely 
furnished, and is well located. The pastorate of Rev. 
Millen happily continues to the present time. 

Broad Creek, Rockbridge Co., Va. — "Mr. Heron re- 
ported the following persons as admitted to our commu- 
nion at Broad Creek on the 23rd and 24th of April, 1824: 
Elizabeth Miller, Margaret Miller, Margaret Hamilton, 
Agnes Jackson, Nancy McDonald, Jane Leyburn,, for- 
merly of the Associate R. Church. Also the following 
persons not formerly in communion : John Shaver, Elea- 
nor Shaver, James Miller, Wm. Miller, Jr., Martha L. 
Miller, George Dial, Susannah Rebecca Ginger, Ann El- 
lison, Rebecca Ochiltree." A small portion of his time 
was given here and in 1824 a church was organized with 
15 families, 28 members. Without a house of worship, 
preaching was conducted by occasional ministers to this 
struggling vacancy. About 1849, ^ e present brick 
28 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



church was completed, and July 26, 1850, Dr. W. M. 
McElwee was ordained and installed pastor. He re- 
signed in i860. In 1861-1862 supplied by Presbyterian 
ministers, Revs. Ewing, Hart, Junkin and Bittenger. In 
May, 1868, Rev. John Hemphill began labors in the 
county and ministered in holy things till 1877. Rev. W. 
A. Wilson, Sept., 1877, to Sept. 1878; Rev. J. M. Todd, 
D. D., from May 22, 1879, to July 20th; Rev. R. M. 
Stevenson, Feb. 20, 1881, to May 24th, 1886; Revs. E. E. 
Pressly, O. Y. Bonner and T. W. Sloan each served dur- 
ing the summers of '86-'88. During the summer of 1889, 
Dr. W. W. Orr held a revival meeting and the congrega- 
tion was very much revived and in Jan., 1890, on a visit 
of Rev. W. M. Hunter, reorganized by the election and 
ordination of C. P. Nair, Thqmas Miller, John W. Ayers, 
and J. H. Harmon, ruling elders. Rev. J. P. Knox began 
stated labors March 29th, 1890, and concluded Oct. 18, 
1891; Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco, Dec, 1891 to May, 1893; 
Rev. J. R. McCormick, July 1, 1893, till Oct., 1897, full 
time; Rev. E. B. Anderson, Sept., 1898, to Dec, 1902. 
The congregation has a fine opening for mission work, 
and their heroic struggles for the maintenance of an 
inspired Psalmody will be owned by the author. 

Buford Monument. — Buford Monument Church is in 
Lancaster Co., S. C, and was organized by the First 
Presbyter)'- in 1893. It was through the efforts of Rev. 
H. B. Blakely that this church was organized, and it was 
supplied by him while he was pastor at Lancaster. It 
never had a settled pastor, and after a few years it de- 
clined, and was finally, about 1902, merged into the 
church at Pleasant Hill, and the church building was 
removed to that point, where it now stands. 

Butler. — In Freestone Co., Texas, was organized with 
nine members in 1879. O n account of removals, it was 
disorganized in a year or two. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



435 



Cambridge, Iredell Co., N. C. — An Associate Church, 
at Cook's Crossing, A. T. O. R. R., about two miles 
south of Troutman's, was organized before 1811, when 
Rev. John Mushat became pastor, resigning Oct., 1822, 
but remaining as supply till Jan., 1825. They united with 
Stirling and Gilead in an unsuccessful call for Revs. W. 
M. McElwee in 1826, and Archibald Whyte in 1827. 
Also failed in calling Revs. Samuel Wilson in 1830, J. C. 
Bruce, 183 1, and Horatio Thompson, 1832. These 
doubtless supplied there. There were 20 families and 
43 members in 1840. Some time afterwards the con- 
gregation united with New Perth. 

Camp Creek in Bradley Co., Ark., was organized by 
Rev. J. P. Marion in 1875 with 20 members. All or near- 
ly all, of them had recently moved from York County, 
S. C. Arthur and William Garrison were elected elders. 
Rev. J. P. Marion supplied them half time in 1875, Rev. 
J. L. Young in 1876. Rev. H. M. Henry in 1877 and '8. 
About that time some families moved away, others trans- 
ferred their membership to Hickory Springs, and the 
organization was discontinued in 1879. 

Camden, Wilcox Co., Ala., is located in the town of 
that name. It was organized in September, 1890, by 
Drs. W. W. Orr and H. M. Henry with 12 members. 
W. C. Jones and J. N. Miller were elected elders and B. 
M. Miller and W. J. Bonner deacons. The church soon 
grew to sixty-five members. Immediately after organi- 
zation a church belonging originally to the U. Presby- 
terians was purchased and active work begun. 

"Within its walls happy marriages have been consum- 
mated and out of its doors have been borne the bodies of 
our precious dead ; and now for thirteen years we have 
there worshipped God, sung the songs of David and lis- 
tened to profound and comforting declarations of God's 
will, wisdom and love." 



436 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

On the 2nd Sabbath of August, 1891, the Sabbath 
School was organized with J. N. Miller, Esq., as Super- 
intendent. Rev. Jas. A. Lowry was the first pastor, serv- 
ing the congregation with a monthly appointment from 
his Dallas County home, until his death in 1898. During 
his pastorate there was a steady growth in numbers and 
spirit. In July, 1899, Rev. R. L. Robinson was called to 
this church and this pastoral relation still happily 
continues. 

Many and varied influences, covering many years, led 
up to the organization of the Camden church. The 
members originally belonged at Oak Hill, the mother 
church. For many years Dr. John Miller preached here 
and in the surrounding country. Dr. W. M. Grier while 
pastor at Oak Hill often preached here, and Dr. H. M. 
Henry followed in labors and prayers for this people. 
Here lived E. D. McDaniel, L. D. D., for half a century, 
and here, or near here, lived many graduates of Erskine 
College. 

For many years, about 1860-65, Rev. W. J. Lowry 
lived and preached here occasionally while pastor of 
Lebanon A. R. P. Church. Rev. W. T. Waller was sent 
here by Synod in 1878, and Rev. J. S. Mills also preached 
here several months. Thus was the way prepared for 
Rev. W. W. Orr when he came in 1890 and organized 
the church. 

The congregation has suffered much from deaths and 
removals to other fields, but it is still a strong church 
with much undeveloped material and spiritual power. 
It owns free of debt a large central lot with neat and 
comfortable house of worship valued at $2,500.00. The 
efficient pastor, Rev. R. L. Robinson, devotes his whole 
time to the work, which is well organized with Sabbath 
School and missionary societies. The Young People's So- 
ciety was organized by the sainted Miss Fannie Wallace. 
Camden is one of the young churches of Synod, and 
.much credit in its development is due to the enterprise 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



of the Board of Home Missions. It is growing in num- 
bers and in liberality, responding to the various calls of 
the Synod and promptly meeting all obligations when 
due. A bright prospect is before this church. 

Carmel, York Co., S. C, appears on the roll of the 
Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas before 1811, Rev. 
Wm. Dixon preached there from its organization proba- 
bly until near his death. In a sketch of Sharon congre- 
gation by the Rev. R. A. Ross, D. D., it is said that, in 
the latter part of 1796 or the beginning of 1797, Sharon 
united with Bethany in the northern part of York Co., 
and with Carmel in the South, in a call to Rev. Wm. 
Dixon then recently come from Scotland, which call he 
accepted. In the same sketch it is said that, in 1826, 
Sharon, Tirzah and Carmel Hill united in a call to Rev. 
W. M. McElwee which he accepted. It disappears from 
the roll some time in the '30's. 

Cedar Creek, Franklin Co., Ala., appears on the roll 
of 1842 as a vacancy of the Tennessee Presbytery. It 
remained in this Presbytery until its final disappearance. 

Cedar Creek, in Milam Co., Texas, was organized by 
Rev. J. M. Little in 1884 with 9 members. S. G. Little 
and A. B. Oliver were ordained elders. In 1892 Cedar 
Creek and Pine Oak united in building a church at Mi- 
lano. These two organizations were merged into one 
at Milano in 1893. Rev. J. M. Little was the stated 
supply. 

Cedar Springs, Abbeville Co. — This historic and an- 
cient church dates from the year 1780. It was about 
this time that Rev. Thomas Clark, M. D., came from 
Salem, N. Y., to preach to that part of his congrega- 
tion which had emigrated from Ballobay, Ireland, in 
1764 and settled in Abbeville District, S. C. 



438 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The congregation was likely organized in the year 
1780, though it was not till the year 1786 that Dr. Clark 
settled as pastor permanently of Cedar Springs and 
Long Cane. This good and truly great man labored 
here for six years. It was his privilege to see the Pres- 
bytery of the Carolinas and Georgia organized on the 
24th of February, 1790. No record can be found of 
his installation over Cedar Springs and Long Cane, 
though we find that the Presbytery ordered his settle- 
ment in 1 79 1. Dr. Clark died in 1792, and is buried 
at Cedar Springs. The first house erected by the con- 
gregation was built of logs, about two miles southeast 
of the present site. The name of the church was derived 
from a cedar tree near the spring where the first church 
was built. Some of the first members were Robert 
Foster, Eliza Sinclair, Mr. Patterson, McBryde, Mor- 
row, Gibson and Robinson. The two churches, Long 
Cane and Cedar Springs, paid Dr. Clark one hundred 
pounds, a liberal salary for the time. 

The next pastor of Cedar Springs and Long Cane 
was Rev. Alexander Porter. He was installed April 2, 
1798. The congregations at this time were large. The 
membership was large in the year 1802 — 520 communi- 
cants were reported. At the communion occasions large 
numbers attended from other churches — from Due 
West, Rocky Springs and Generostee. Tradition says 
that 760 observed the sacrament at one time. These 
communions were great spiritual feasts to the people. 
They covered five days. Thursday was fast day. Fri- 
day applicants for membership were received or kept 
back, Saturday and Sabbath's services were especially 
devoted to the sacrament, and Monday was thanks- 
giving. Many of the important transactions of the 
Second Presbytery are identified with Cedar Springs 
and Long Cane. Here the original Presbytery was 
organized, and here the Second Presbytery was con- 
stituted April 8th, 1801. On account of Mr. Porter's 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



439 



health and the uncommon largeness of his pastoral 
charge he asked to be relieved of one of his 
churches, and accordingly gave up Long Cane Septem- 
ber 15th, 1803, and the next year was installed as pas- 
tor of Cedar Springs alone. 

Mr. Porter continued pastor of Cedar Springs until 
1 81 3. The next year Mr. Porter moved with a number 
of his congregation to Ohio. For a number of years 
Cedar Springs was vacant and the church suffered just 
as her sister congregation of Long Cane, on account of 
a destitution of ordinances. 

In the year 1817 Rev. John T. Pressly was ordained 
and installed pastor. This proved to be an excellent 
choice. Dr. Pressly's pastorate was abundantly blessed. 
He is described as being ''a man untiring in labor, punc- 
tual to every engagement, and faithful in preaching the 
gospel and watching for souls." Cedar Springs under 
his ministry reached the zenith of her glory. She num- 
bered five hundred communicants without the help of 
Long Cane. It was at this period that the church gave 
three young men to the ministry — Rev. Samuel P. Press- 
ly, D. D., Rev. E. E. Pressly, D. D., and Rev. James P. 
Pressly, D. D. Dr. John T. Pressly conducted the Theo- 
logical Seminary here at Cedar Springs. He was the 
sole professor. Among the numerous active and use- 
ful members were the Fosters, McBrydes, Devlins, 
Youngs, McCrearys and Presslys. Later on came such 
men as the Kennedy's Morris, Col. John Herst, Wra. 
Patton, Hamilton Hill, and others. During this time Dr. 
Pressly supplied Long Cane occasionally, though he was 
not installed pastor over the united charge until the year 
1828. The two congregations were then reunited and 
continued for a long time to constitute one pastorate. 
The church was much weakened during Dr. Pressly's 
pastorate, that is, the latter part of it, by emigration to 
the West and Southwest. It was her diminishing num- 
bers that reconciled Cedar Springs to the arrangement 



440 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

of sharing her pastor with her sister church. Political 
discussion also interfered very much with the progress 
of religion. It was the time of Nullification and Abbe- 
ville County seemed to be the center of the fight for that 
principle. Dr. Jno. T. Pressly discouraged possibly by 
the constant emigration and by the high political ferment, 
accepted a call to Allegheny, Pa., in the year 183 1. Af- 
ter him there was a vacant period for about six years. 
Rev. W. R. Hemphill was called and settled as pastor 
in 1837. For eleven years he labored diligently among 
this people. His pastorate was abundantly blessed — as 
many as thirty-five connecting in one year with the 
church. In 1848 Dr. Hemphill was chosen to a profes- 
sorship in Erskine College, and demitted his charge. 
His people gave him up with the greatest reluctance. 
During his pastorate three ministers went out from the 
church — Rev. W. W. Patton, Rev. Samuel Morris and 
Rev. D. P. Robinson. Revs. J. M. Young, David Press- 
ly, Joseph Pressly and J. E. Pressly were born and 
partly raised in Cedar Springs and Long Cane. Rev. 
H. T. Sloan was called and settled as pastor in Novem- 
ber, 1850. This was the beginning of one of the most fruit- 
ful pastorates in the Synod. Faithfully and earnestly did 
Dr. Sloan do his work as pastor for forty years. In 
1890 he demitted his charge, but continued to preach un- 
til a short time before his death. He died February 
13th, 1894. There were several seasons of revival dur- 
ing Dr. Sloan's ministry, and the church experienced 
great prosperity; but there was a constant drain on the 
membership — a number going off to Troy, a new congre- 
gation organized in 1882, some to Due West and other 
places. In September, 1894, Dr. Robt. Lathan was chosen 
pastor of Cedar Springs and Bradley, the latter being 
a part of the congregation but with a different house of 
worship. Dr. Lathan's ministry was terminated by his 
death, which occurred June 15th, 1896. His work in this 
field was short, but it left its impress upon the people. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



441 



After him Rev. D. G. Phillips, Jr., was chosen, Jan. 
1897, and remained until December, 1901. The present 
church at Cedar Springs was built in 1853, during the 
pastorate of Dr. Sloan. 

Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N. C. — By order of Synod 
Dr. H. T. Sloan began preaching Nov. 26, 1873, in 
Miller's Hall, and March 1st following organized with 14 
members, Major S. W. Reid and I. N. Wallace provi- 
sional session. A lot on corner 5th and College was pur- 
chased for $2,800, and a chapel erected costing $1,234, 
and occupied early in June 1874. At this period Dr. 
Sloan retired. Revs. W. M. Hunter was stated supply 
three years, beginning Oct. 11, 1874, J. L. Hemphill one 
year, beginnig Nov., 1877, W. L. Waller six, beginning 
Sept., 1878, J. C. Galloway one from Oct., 1884, C. E. 
McDonald six months from Oct., 1885, and J. S. Moffatt 
one, beginning April, 1886. Rev. C. E. Todd began 
labor Nov. 13, 1887, and was installed Aug. 24, 1888. 
During his ministry a most eligible lot corner Third and 
Tryon — the most desirable in the city save one — was 
purchased at $6,000, and a handsome $10,000 church 
erected and dedicated Oct. 27, 1891, by the Synod body. 
A substantial, commodious manse was erected in 1893 
on the same lot, costing $3,500. Rev. Todd demitted 
April 9, 1895, because of failing health. Rev. T. W. 
Sloan was his immediate successor, being installed May 
8, but returned in October to his first pastorate, Troy, 
S. C. 

The following have served as elders : T. R. Magill, 
Prof. J. I. McCain, T. M. McConnell, J. B. McLaughlin, 
J. H. Ross, R. L. C. Cochrane, G. W. Pressly, M. D., 
Joseph Davidson, S. W. Reed, W. B. McGinnis and J. 
Y. Orders. Present session : T. P. Ross, Prof. J. G. 
Baird, J. A. Russell, C. M. Strong, M. D., R. G. Brice 
and T. S. Harris. 
Rev. J. T. Chalmers, D. D., was installed April 22, 1896. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



His was a most fruitful ministry in enlarged growth and 
liberality. The manse debt, $1,700, was paid and both 
it and the church improved and beautified at a cost of 
$1,200. The membership was largely increased and a 
second church liberally projected. This brilliant and 
fruitful pastorate was closed March 6, 1902, by his la- 
mented death, the pulpit being supplied for nearly two 
years preceeding his departure because of ill health. 

Rev. J. Knox Montgomery was installed Sept. 24, 
1902. This relation continues and promises great use- 
fulness. 

In the early struggles a band of devoted women went 
forth weeping bearing precious seed. G. G. Nisbet and 
afterward T. R. Magill gave the cause their devotion 
when no man stood with them. Rev. C. E. Todd led the 
way in faith and enlargement and Dr. Chalmers wisely 
and liberally built. The ladies paid a deserved tribute 
when they placed in the church tablets to their memory. 

A single licentiate journeyed there, Oct., 1874, and 
greeted a little company in an humble chapel all covered 
with debt. 

Now under God's blessing they are two bands, with 
414 members and 676 enrolled S. S. Pupils. 

Charlotte, Dixon Co., Tenn., was a mission of the 
Tennessee Presbytery. Rev. S. S. Ralston preached 
here on two occasions in 1843. ^ never had a pastor 
and has long since ceased to exist. It probably was 
never more than a preaching point. 

Chester, S. C. — In the year 1859, an attempt was made 
to organize a church in Chester, but for some reason it 
was a failure. . Soon after the War, Rev. R. W. Brice, 
the pastor of Hopewell in Chester Co., began preaching 
occasionally at Old Purity Presbyterian Church, three 
miles east of Chester, for the convenience of the A. R. 
P. people in Chester, and some of the members of 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 443 

Hopewell living 
near that church. 

At a meeting of 
the First Presby- 
tery at Prosperity, 
N. C, in April, 
1869, Rev. R. W. 
Brice was directed 
to organize a 
church at Chester. 
In the summer of 
1869, he obeyed 
the order and or- 
ganized c, church of 
eighteen members. 
The organization 
was effected at 
Old Purity, and 
Joseph W y 1 1 e, 
Matthew White, 
W. J. Henry and John Simpson were the first Elders. 

It was a small band, but they were faithful and true, 
and devotedly attached to the A. R. P. Church. In 1871 
the congregation bought the old Methodist church on 
Centre St., and moved into town. 

In 1878 a new house of worship was erected on the 
same site, and was dedicated March 15th, 1879, the dedi- 
cation sermon being preached by Rev. W. M. Grier, D. 
D. Rev. R. W. Brice supplied the church with preaching 
one-fourth time until 1876, when Rev. J. P. Marion was 
called for three-fourths of his time, and in the course of 
about three years Mr. Marion was called for the whole 
of his time, and continued pastor until he resigned in 
March, 1882. In 1883, Rev. Mason W. Pressly was 
installed and continued until March 20th, 1886. In 
April, 1886, Rev. J. S. Moffatt became pastor, and con- 
tinues until the present time. 




CHESTER, S. C. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The church has had a continuous and steady growth, 
and it is now one of the best churches in the Synod. In 
1887 Mr. Joseph Wylie, one of the Elders of the church, 
presented the congregation with an elegant parsonage on 
York St. The present nice and commodious house of 
worship was erected in 1897, and was dedicated Feb. 
6th, 1898, the dedication sermon being preached by Rev. 

C. E. McDonald. 

The Chester church has always been composed large- 
ly of the most substantial people of the city, and has 
always exerted a marked influence in the community. 

There have been gracious revivals in the church at 
various times, and its membership is made up of intelli- 
gent and godly people. Three of the ministers of the 
Synod were members of this congregation, viz., Revs. 
H. M. Henry, D. D., Rev. J. A. White and Rev. W. B. 
Lindsay, and at the present time more than thirty of its 
members have had a Collegiate education. It has been 
most liberal in the support of all the institutions and en- 
terprises of the church. One of its Elders, the late Joseph 
Wylie, was the most liberal supporter of these institu- 
tions and enterprises that the Synod has ever had. He 
was a very successful merchant and banker, and was 
blessed with large means, and a very large part of it he 
gave to the church, and all its membership has ever been 
noted for their zeal and liberality to the cause of the 
Master. 

Besides those named at the organization of the church 
the following persons have been Elders in this church : 

D. H. Duncan, David Moffatt, A. G. Brice, J. K. Henry, 
S. B. Lathan, J. T. Bigham, M. E. White, T. H. White 
and Dr. J. B. Bigham. 

Chic ota, Tex. — A church was organized in Chicota, in 
Lamar Co., Texas, in the fall of 1883 with 12 members. 
They built a house of worship in 1886. Rev. E. E. Pat- 
terson was stated supply. He was installed pastor for 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



half time Nov. 3, 1888. They had 22 members at that 
time. They had accessions from churches in York Co., 
S. C, and from churches in other sections of Eastern 
States. A good school was established, and their num- 
bers increased to 65 by 1896. Mr. Patterson gave up 
the work and left that field in Jan., 1896. That year 
and the year following they were supplied by Revs. L. I. 
Echols and J. H. Simpson, Rev. T. W. Hayes was in- 
stalled pastor Jan. 15, 1898, for half time. Their num- 
ber had increased to 89, and their strength grown till 
in 1903 they asked for three-fourth of their pastor's 
time. In 1896 they entertained the Synod handsomely 
during its meeting in their midst. They purchased a 
convenient house for a parsonage about the time Mr. 
Hayes became pastor. The school building has been re- 
modeled, and a good high schol. They have an excel- 
lent S. S., L. B. S., and a Y. P. C. U. 




TAMPICO, MEX. 



Christ's Church, Tampico, Republic of Mexico. — 
Tampico perhaps enjoys the remarkable deference of be- 
ing the spot where the European first set foot on the 
American Continent. "Americus Vespucius landed at 



44 6 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Tampico in 1497, anc ^ ma -de a report of his visit, which 
is very interesting reading." 

It is situated in the extreme southern part of the 
State of Tamaulipas, Mexico, on the river Panuco, about 
six miles from the Gulf. The population numbers about 
20,000. It is the terminus of two lines of railroad, a 
third being in process of construction direct to Mexico 
City. The port is rapidly increasing in importance, and 
on account of the immense river harbor, is destined to 
be the metropolis of the Gulf ports in the republic. 

It was at this point the A. R. P. Church established 
her first independent Foreign Mission in January, 1880. 
Evangelical work had been established here as early as 
1876 by the G. A. P. Church, North, in the U. S., but 
was abandoned on account of the distance and its in- 
accessibility to the center of that Church's operation. 

Christ's Church in Tampico has the distinction of be- 
ing the first church organized in a foreign land by the 
Foreign Missionary Board of our Church. In the min- 
utes of Synod for 1879 the Committee on Foreign Mis- 
sions reported : "We have selected Tampico on the 
Gulf Coast as our mission station and have directed our 
missionary to repair to that place at an early period." 
The missionary, Neill E. Pressly, arrived at Tampico 
with his family on the 6th of December, 1879. 

A store-house centrally located was rented and fitted 
up for a chapel and plainly furnished, and in that building 
religious services were conducted three times a week un- 
til the close of 1889. Many were the difficulties and 
stubborn the opposition that the mission encountered in 
the beginning. The conflict was a daily struggle. For 
about a year an hired house with almost empty pews, 
the missionary family and that of the native assistant 
were the only evidence of evangelical work in the city. 
It was only the command of the Mastdr ,and His 
promises that encouraged the laborers. With the new 
year 1881, the first rays of light were seen, the gray 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



morn of a new day was breaking. One, then another, 
dared to declare their faith publicly, and the mission- 
ary was eager to effect an organization. 

By order of the Board of Foreign Missions, a church 
was organized in Tampico on June the 26th, 1881, with 
fifteen members. The first person baptized was a blind 
woman, Jesus Gonzales, on the 29th of May, 1881, and 
the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time on 
July 3rd, 1881. 

In 1889 a lot in the center of the city was secured, 
a corner lot, on Muelle and Estado Streets, and a pretty 
little church erected 50x30 at a cost of $5,500.00. The 
church was dedicated on the 17th of January, 1890. It 
is substantially built of brick and faces the south. 

One hundred and seventy-three adults have been bap- 
tized and received into the membership of the church. 
Ninety-six youth and children have been baptized, whole 
number baptized 269. Collections since the organization 
of the church amount to $4,678.30. 

The work at this point has been directed from its be- 
ginning by the missionary, assisted by Rev. Pedro Tru- 
jillo. Only one ruling elder, Jose Melo, has been or- 
dained, and he died rejoicing in the hope of the gospel 
on Sept. 9th, 1898. 

Christ's Church is the young mother church of the 
A. R. P. Mission. It has a membership of eighty odd, 
an active Sabbath School of over one hundred pupils, a 
live Christian Endeavor Society of ninety members, an 
encouraging auxiliary school for girls, four preaching 
stations, and the future grows brighter. 

Clarksburg, Indiana. — Rev. G. Gordon began preach- 
ing here, and on Oct. 1st, 1847, was authorized by Ky. 
Pres. to organize a church. Sept. 9th, 1848, he reported 
the organization effected with John Kincaid and James 
McCracken as elders. He continued to supply the 
church. Revs. T. S. Lee, A. Ranson, A. S. Montgomery, 



44 8 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



T. T. Turner, J. A. Myers and probably others also 
preached here from this time up to 1870. After this date 
no mention is made of it in minutes of the Presbytery. 

Sept. 1st, 1849, the session referred the case of John 
Kincaid for marrying Mary E., his deceased wife's sis- 
ter to Presbytery for advice. The Presbytery referred 
it to Synod and for a number of years it was a subject 
of discussion and agitated the councils of Synod. 

Clover, S. C. — Clover is situated in York Co., S. C, 
about ten miles from Yorkville, the county seat, on the 
line of the Carolina and Northwestern Railway. The 
church was organized May 24th, 1893. For some time 
previous to the organization, Rev. R. M. Stevenson 
preached there one night in each month, and after the or- 
ganization, Mr. Stevenson was called as pastor for one- 
fourth his time, and was installed Nov. 23rd, 1893, and 
still continues as the pastor. Soon after the organization 
the people built a neat house of worship. 

Cochrane 's Vale, Burke Co., N. C, appears upon the 
roll of the Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas in 1822 
with 17 members and was near Old Fort. This with 
other mountain churches formed a kind of golden chain 
or via sacra for Associate ministers to the Carolinas. 
In 1840 there were 5 families and 9 members. Soon af- 
ter this for some reason it passed from our roll. 

Coddle Creek, Iredell Co., N. C. — Emigrants from 
Western Pennsylvania settled this region soon after Brad- 
dock's defeat, 1755. It was a preaching station that 
year. The oldest legible tombstone is that of James 
Caruth, deceased Dec. 9th, 1757, aged 27 years. 

A society of Associates organized themselves possibly 
before 1760. In answer to petitions to the Associate 
Presbytery of Pennsylvania beginning 1762, Revs. James 
Proudfoot, Robert Annan, Thomas Clark, M. D., John 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rodgers, M. D., James Martin and Andrew Patton sup- 
plied them at long and hungry intervals till the organi- 
zation of the Associate Reformed Synod. 

Then Revs. Thomas Clark, M. D., and John Jamison 
visited this congregation in connection with the others 
in the South 1782 to 1784. Hopewell on the Catawba 
River, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, (probably Gilead) and 
Coddle Creek presented a call to Rev. John Jamison in 
1787, which was declined. 

Rev. John Boyse came here soon after licensure in the 
summer of 1788, and being ordained July 1, 1789, was 
installed a little later. His early and lamented death 
March 18th, 1793, left them again destitute. 

At the earnest request of Rev. Jas. Rogers Rev. John 
Hemphill came, preached and received a call 1795, which 
was declined. 

Rev. James McKnight licensed April 3rd, 1794, by 
the Second A. R. Presbytery of Pa., began his labors 
about Jan., 1795, and being ordained by the same Pres- 
bytery Sept., 1796, was the next year installed pastor. 
He weighed some 300 pounds, with a voice correspond- 
ing, regardless of terminal qualities, rode rapidly and 
drove like Jehu, was as faithful in pastoral visitations 
as he was persistent in preaching. Death terminated his 
labors Sept. 17, 1831. 

Rev. John Graham Witherspoon was ordained and 
installed pastor Aug. 20th, 1834. The Synod met here 
in 1841. This useful and punctual pastor died lamented 
and devout men carried him to the tomb Jan. 6, 1846. 

Rev. J. E. Pressly, a licentiate of the Second Presby- 
tery, was called, and the call being accepted, he was or- 
dained and installed Feb. 12th, 1851. A large and com- 
modious house of worship was erected in 1839. This 
was destroyed by fire on Sabbath, Feb. 24th, 1884. 

The next day, 8:30 a. m., the congregation met, Dr. 
Pressly as chairman. Two fragments of leaves from the 
pulpit Bible had been gathered up. The first passage 
29 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



that could be read was, "Go up to the mountain and 
bring wood and build the house and I will take pleasure 
in it and I will be glorified saith the Lord." The people 
at once resolved to re-build. It was finished and dedi- 
cated by Rev. W. T. Waller June 29th following. 

Dr. Pressly ceased active duty Oct., 1885, and his offi- 
cial resignation occurred April 13th, 1886. The congre- 
gation then called Rev. L. B. Stewart, who was ordained 
and installed Nov. 19th, 1887, and served till April 7, 
1 89 1. The pastoral services of Rev. W. Y. Love were 
then obtained Jan., 1892. He served them till Oct. 30, 
1900. Rev. R. C. Davidson now serves them, having 
been installed May 24th, 1901. , 

Rev. N. E. Pressly, D. D., our pioneer missionary to 
Mexico, Rev. M. W. Pressly, Revs. H. R. McAulay, N. 
E. Smith and G. L. Kerr are sons of this church 

James Carrigan was an elder during Rev. John 
Boyse's pastorate as was Robert Neel, Robert Neel, his 
son, Hugh Gillon and Adam Ross under father Mc- 
Knight. From 1847 to 1869 Neel McAulay, William 
Knox, Elam Neel, James Bradford and George G. Mc- 
Knight. In 1869 W. M - Bell > Dr - Edwin N. McAulay, 
William A. Kerr and W. G. Townsen. In 1875 G. L. 
Smith, J. K. Morrison, W. C. Patterson, J. C. Neel and 
John B. Wallace and T. D. Miller and later James Smith, 
W. P. Rogers, Thomas Keesler, W. M. Nelson and Dr. 
A. E. Bell. 

The first building was a rude log structure weather- 
boarded but not ceiled, the logs and rafters being inside 
ornaments. It stood east and west with a rude pulpit 
on the north side. A Mr. Parks generously donated 
about 220 acres of land. Two hundred were sold from 
the proceeds of which a splendid building was erected 
in 1839. About 15 years ago Mr. Nathaniel Johnston 
bequeathed $1,000 to Coddle Creek academy. This fund 
is invested and has increased in value to $1,300. The 
school is doing a good work. 




Columbia, S. C. — The church at Columbia, the capital 
city of South Carolina, is called the Centennial Church, 
and was erected as a memorial of the one hundredth year 
of the existence of the Associate Reformed Synod of 
the South. In the summer of 1896, Rev. J. G. Dale was 
sent to Columbia to open a mission. For a few weeks 
preaching services were held in the Y. M. C. A. Hall 
which was kindly tendered for their use, until other pro- 
vision could be made. In August the Hall of the Wood- 
men of the World was rented, and continued to house 
the mission until the present new building was erected. 
Rev. J. G. Dale did effective work, and soon there was a 
call for an organization. The church was organized by 
a commission of the First Presbytery consisting of Rev. 
G. R. White, D. D.,and Elders J. A. Brice and T. H. 
Ketchin, Feb. 1st, 1897. 

At the meeting of Synod in 1898 in Chester, S, G, 
Rev. Dale felt constrained to give up the work in Colum- 
bia and go to Mexico as a missionary, and the church 
was left without a head until June, 1899, when Rev. J. 
P. Knox was sent by the Board of Home Missions to 
take charge of the work, and he has continued the faith- 



452 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



ful and efficient pastor ever since. In the winter of 1900 
and the spring of 1901, Rev. J. P. Knox canvassed the 
Synod for funds to build the church, and he was success- 
ful in accomplishing the object of his mission. A suita- 
ble lot was bought on Laurel Street, and during the 
year 1902, a beautiful brick edifice was erected, and the 
congregation is growing and prospering. 

Concord, Cabarras Co., N. C, was organized by the 
First Presbytery Jan. 12, 1901, with 25 members. They 
have been supplied by the Back Creek pastor. The 
elders are D. C. Caldwell, E. B. Grayem and R. N. Har- 
ris. Licentiate J. W. Simpson is expected to begin work 
about the middle of June, 1903. 

Concord, S. C. — This organization is situated about 
three miles north of Anderson C. H., S. C. It is one of 
the oldest churches in the Second Presbytery. Its his- 
tory dating back as early as 1796, or even earlier. But 
the records are quite meager. It is known, however, 
that Rev. Peter McMullen began preaching in the open 
air near Rankins Springs, two miles from the present 
site. The church was supplied by many ministers at 
many different times, but mainly by ministers from De 
Witt's Corner (Due West). The first house of logs 
was built in 1797. Rev. Peter McMullen effected the or- 
ganization. The first elders were Robt. Rankin, John 
George and Benjamin Dixon. The church has borne 
four names : Mt. Nebo, Six and Twenty, Moorehead's 
Meeting House and Concord. After 1798 the church 
was supplied by Revs. Jos. McCauley, Blackstock, Por- 
ter, McGill, Renwick, Dickson, Pinkerton and Dr. Henry 
Bryson. 

Concord's history has been a most checkered one, and 
her earliest days, her best days. Dissension divided the 
church, crippled its energies, scattered her members, and 
she is to this day small and weak, although over a century 
old. Rev. A. L. Patterson is at present the stated supply. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Comersville, Tenn., was a part of the pastoral charge 
of Rev. S. S. Ralston over which he was installed June 
7, 1839. It nas ceased to exist. 

Corsicana — The church in this city was organized 
Oct. 16, 1895, by Revs. W. L. Patterson and W. W. 
Orr, with 22 members. Most of them were from Rich- 
land and Harmony. J. L. Bonner, Wirt Robinson and 
A. W. McQuiston were elected elders. Two deacons 
were were also chosen. Mr. Orr returned to them the 
next February and supplied the mission three or four 
months. They worshipped in the City Hall. A lot for 
a church and parsonage was secured and a subscription 
started to raise money to build. Rev. T. W. Hayes was 
sent to supply them in July, 1896, and prosecuted the 
work successfully for sixteen months. In 1897 Synod 
appointed Rev. W. W. Orr to this mission for a period 
of five years. He entered upon this work with great zeal. 
The membership increased encouragingly, and the pros- 
pects of the mission grew brighter. The work of rais- 
ing money for the building was laid upon the missionary. 
This being a co-operative mission, the U. P. Board of 
Church Extension appropriated $1500. The Board of 
Church Extension of the A. R. P. Synod appropriated 
$1,000, and he was asked to canvass the city, and the 
congregations of Synod for the balance needed. This 
he did. Their elegant and convenient church was dedi- 
cated free of debt Oct. 21, 1900. The entire cost of 
house and lot was $18,500. The congregation erected 
a parsonage on the same lot. Mr. Orr resigned the 
charge at the meeting of Synod in 190 1. Rev. A. J. 
Ranson was appointed to have charge of the mission for 
a period of five years. He entered upon the work 
promptly. The mission continues to prosper. They re- 
ported 96 members in IQ02. They have a promising 
S. S., L. B. Soc, and a Y. P. C U. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Covington, Tipton Co., Term. — Was organized June 
27, 1903, by a commission of the Memphis Presbytery, 
composed of Revs. W. H. Millen, (acting on account of 
the unavoidable absence of Rev. T. G. Boyce), J. P. Er- 
win, J. W. Baird and Elder J. L. Baird. 22 charter 
members were enrolled, coming mainly from Salem, 
Brighton and Richland. R. S. Baird, formerly serving 
at Salem, T. R. Hanna, at Brighton, and Wm. R. Boyd 
were elected Elders, the latter being ordained at this time. 
Rev. T. P. Pressly conducted a few days meeting here in 
1891, and Rev. T. G. Boyce, by request of Presbytery, 
supplied them with a monthly appointment during 1901 
and 1902, and the Synod of 1902 appointed Rev. J. W. 
Baird missionary to this field. He began his labors here 
January 1, 1903. By direction of the Board of Home 
Missions, he began at once the raising of funds for the 
erection of a church building. A lot of 140 feet x 150 
feet, on the corner of South and West streets, was pur- 
chased at a cost of $835.00, and the church, which is to 
be of brick, will cost over $3,000.00. 

There have been three accessions to the membership 
-since organization. J. C. McQuiston and W. P. Clark 
were ordained deacons at the organization. 

County Line, Texas. — County Line was the name of a 
school house near the line of Freestone and Navarro 
counties, Texas. Here Rev. T. J. Bonner had preached 
regularly for a number of years. Rev. H. Mosely, of 
the Southern Presbyterian Church, also preached here 
occasionally. Mr. Mosely, by order of his Presbytery, 
organized a church at this place, Oct. 11, 1865, with 14 
members. John M. McGilvary and Andrew McMillen 
were elected elders. It was agreed to leave it to those 
entering the organization to decide by vote what denom- 
ination the church should be. The majority voted that it 
should be an Associate Reformed Presbyterian congre- 
gation. They agreed also that it be placed temporarily 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



under the care of the Presbytery of Central Texas of 
the Presbyterian Church in the United States. By re- 
quest of the congregation, Rev. T. J. Bonner supplied 
them regularly. The song service was confined strictly 
to the Scotch version of the Psalms. A comfortable 
house as a union church was built. It continued to be 
A. R. P. church under the care of the Presbytery of Cen- 
tral Texas until the withdrawal of those members who 
went into the Harmony and Richland churches at their 
organization in September and October, 1876. 

Cross Plains, Ga. — Organized 1846. Supplied by 
Revs. L. Turner and A. McElroy. "A vacancy situated 
in an important point and deserving special attention." 

Crowder's Creek, N. C. — Crowder's Creek church is 
situated in Gaston Co., N. C, and is the outgrowth of 
a mission Sabbath School which was conducted at Pat- 
terson's school house, by Mr. W. A. Grier, an elder in 
Pisgah congregation. An organization was effected May 
28th, 1892, and the membership was made up from mem- 
bers of Pisgah and Bethany residing in the commun- 
ity. Rev. R. M. Stevenson was installed pastor for one- 
fourth his time, Nov. 5th, 1892, and still continues to 
serve them. 

Dalton, Murray Co., Ga. — Was organized by Rev. 
Thomas Turner, 1846. J. P. Love, Sr., was an active 
member. The whole time of Rev. W. W. Patton was 
sought and declined in 1847. Revs. J. S. Pressly 
preached in 1847; A. E. Ellis in 1848; W. M. Sharp and 
J. Patrick, 1849; H. H. Robinson, 1850, and A. Ran- 
som in 1852. "They manifested interest in attending 
on the means of grace." 

Rev. Turner moved there in 1853, and supplied at 
intervals till about '62. In 1853 there were nine fam- 
ilies, 15 members, and they paid $50 to Domestic Mis- 



456 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



sions, with meagre supplies during and demoralized by 
the civil war, and forsaken by their under shepherds, 
they ceased to exist. 

Diamond Hill, Anderson Co. — This church was situ- 
ated not far from the present site of Antreville, S. C. 
It was about 12 miles from Due West, and about the 
same distance from Generostee. The congregation here 
was organized Feb. 24, 1790, and was regularly sup- 
plied by ministers of the Second Presbytery. 

Rev. Robt. Irwin was settled as pastor of Generostee 
in the year 1804, and about that time became pastor for 
one-fourth time of Diamond Hill. On Nov. 8th, 1814, 
he demitted his charge for lack of support. The con- 
gregation of Diamond Hill does not appear to have had 
another pastor, but was supplied by Rev. Irwin and oth- 
ers. After the establishment of the college and seminary 
at Due West, different ministers would go up and preach, 
such as Dr.Hemphill, Dr. R. C. Grier and others. There 
is a tradition that Dr. J. I. Bonner and Dr. J. O. Lindsay 
were licensed at Diamond Hill. The church became ex- 
tinct about the year 1850. The ancestors of Rev. S. W. 
Haddon were members of Diamond Hill. 

Doraville, Ga., Church. — Was organized Aug. nth, 
1836, by Rev. Thomas Turner, under the direction of 
the Second Presbytery. The original name was Pros- 
perity, but when it was removed to the town of Dora- 
ville, the name was changed. Rev. Turner was installed 
pastor in 1836, and continued as such until March, 1841. 
Rev. Flaslet and others supplied the pulpit for eight 
years. Rev. A. E. Ellis was installed pastor in 1849, an< ^ 
continued to serve the church in this capacity until his 
death in 1855. The church was then vacant for many 
years, J. L. McDaniel, Andrew McElroy and others 
preaching for them occasionally. During the war they 
suffered for the want of a pastor or supply, and contin- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 457 




DORAVILLE, GA. 



ued so even after the war. For some time after 1870, 
the church was regularly supplied by Rev. John McEl- 
roy. They had no pastor until 1883, when Rev. C. E. 
Todd was installed. In 1887 Rev. Todd demitted the 
charge. In the same year Rev. R. E. Patterson was in- 
stalled pastor and served them until 1897. The church 
was again vacant, but was regularly supplied by Rev. T. 
B. Stewart and others. In 1902, Rev. E. E. Strong, the 
present pastor, was ordained and installed. Two other 
churches, New Hope and Antioch, have been added to 
this pastoral charge. 

Due West. — Was a preaching place and probably an or- 
ganized congregation before the Revolution. Dr. Thomas 
Clark frequently supplied the pulpit, but the first regular 
pastor was Rev. Peter McMullen, during the first part of 
whose pastorate there was a large and flourishing congre- 
gation. He was installed in the spring of 1794, though he 
had probably served as supply several years before that, 
and remained pastor until Oct. 13, 1801. For the next 
thirty years the church was a vacancy. The second pastor, 
Dr. E. E. Pressly, was not born for several years after Mr. 



458 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 




DUE WEST, S. C. 



McMullen gave up the pulpit. He was installed pastor 
Aug. 7, 1830, over a congregation reduced by removals 
and defection to twenty-five (25) members. After a pas- 
torate of thirty (30) years, Dr. Pressly died July 26, 
i860. During his entire time there was uninterrupted 
harmony between pastor and people. For almost the 
whole period of his pastorate, he was also the President 
of the Theological Seminary, and for nine years of the 
time he was President of Erskine College. 

Dr. Pressly was succeeded by Rev. R. C. Grier, D. D., 
who was installed pastor Nov. 10, i860, remaining as 
such until his death, March 30, 1871. During the greater 
part of his pastorate, Dr. Grier taught in the Seminary, 
and was President of Erskine College. On Jan. 6, 1872, 
Rev. W. L. Pressly, D. D., son of Due West's second 
pastor was installed, but in 1889 Dr Pressly was elected 
by Synod President of the Theological Seminary, and in 
the following year he gave up the pastorate for that work. 

While Dr. Grier and Dr. W. L. Pressly were in charge, 
large numbers were gathered into the church, though 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



many of them went into other congregations on reaching 
manhood and womanhood. 

Rev. O. Y. Bonner succeeded Dr. Pressly as pastor 
and was installed June 14, 1890. 

The fact that the Theological Seminary, Erskine Col- 
lege and the Due West Female College are located in this 
congregation has contributed not a little to its life and 
progress. 

The Due West congregation has had five church 
buildings in the course of its history. 

The following ministers and theological students were 
either born or reared in whole or in part in this con- 
gregation : 

Revs. D. F. Haddon, J. O. Lindsay, D. D., W. M. 
Sharp, J. E. Pressly, D. D., S. A. Agnew, D. D., W. L. 
Pressly, D. D., A. E. Ellis, J. L. Grier, W. W. Lindsay, 
W. M. Grier, D. D., L. L. D., J. Y. Fair, D. D., D. B. 
Pressly^ J. C. Galloway, D. D., F. Y. Pressly, D. D., C. 
S. Young, J. L. Young, J. L. Brownlee, S. W. Haddon, 
H. D. Lindsay, D. D., C. E. Todd, B. H. Grier, O. Y. 
Bonner, J. R. Edwards, R. L. Grier, R. L. Bell, J. H. 
Pressly, Oliver Johnson, M. T. Ellis, R. A. Lee, M. B. 
Grier, E. B Kennedy, T. M. Kennedy, J. L. Pressly, B. 
J. Giffen, J. T. Young, P. A. Pressly. 

This congregation has been fortunate in all its history 
in its officers who have had a large part in the successful 
work of this church. The present officers are : Elders, 
R. S. Galloway, J. I. McCain, J. L. Pressly, P. L. Grier, 
and J. H. Brooks; Deacons, A. R. Ellis, H. M. Young, 
A. S. Kennedy, R. C. Brownlee, W. C. Agnew, and 
E. L. Reid. 

Ebenezer, Crawford Co., Pa. — Organized May 27, 
1865, by Lake U. P. Presbytery. Rev. James Burrows 
pastor from organization till his death, 1886. Both pas- 
tor and congregation formed a part of the First Ohio 
Presbytery and joined the A. R. Synod of the South, 



4 6o SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Sept, 19th, 1867. Returned to U. P. Church and same 
Presbytery May 30th, 1881. 

Ebenezer Church, York Co., S. C. — Was situated 
about three miles west of the present city of Rock Hill, 
in the present village of Ebenezer. It was just across 
the road from the present Presbyterian Church by that 
name. It is probable that there was some sort of an or- 
ganization there in the way of an A. R. P. church during 
the Revolutionary War, as the Presbyterians date their 
organization from 1786, and the A. R. Church occupied 
the place first. It was made up originally of Burghers, 
Antiburghers, some Presbyterians, and some Covenant- 
ers, and was said to have been the only church in all the 
surrounding country. 

The wish to introduce the Watts Hymns by a part of 
the congregation caused trouble, which ended in the for- 
mation of a Presbyterian Church and some of the mem- 
bers also joined Tirzah Church. 

Dr. Thos. Clark preached there some time as stated 
supply. 

Rev. William Blackstocks was installed May 8th, 1794, 
in connection with Neely's Creek, and demitted his 
charge in 1804. The records also show that he was again 
pastor from 181 1 until July 12th, 181 5. On April 3rd, 
1820, Rev. Eleazer Harris was appointed stated supply 
at Neely's Creek and Ebenezer, and must have contin- 
ued to supply the church for a good many years. 

Mr. Harris conducted a very successful High School 
at Ebenezer, which was largely patronized. 

This church appears on the minutes in 1822, as having 
twenty families and thirty-two members, and the record 
says it was disorganized about 1828. 

Ebenezer, Tippah Co., Miss. — Is located near the pres- 
ent site of Cotton Plant. The first settlers of this faith 
were Andrew Jones and family and William McBryde, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



461 



who came from Lebanon, Wilcox Co., Ala., in 1838. 
In 1839, Rev. John Wilson of the Tennessee Presbytery 
preached for them one week-day — the first sermon by an 
Associate Reformed minister in this country. In 1840, 
Rev. S. S. Ralston preached a week-day, the only sermon 
that year. Revs. Joseph McCreary and N. M. Gordon 
spent each a Sabbath with them in 1841, and the follow- 
year, Revs. S. S. Ralston, J. M. Young and D. Pressly 
preached for them one Sabbath each. Dec, 1839, Major 
Robert McBryde and family had arrived from Wilcox 
Co., Ala., — a man of devoted piety. He set to work to 
build up the church of his fathers in the neighborhood. 
On July 1 6th, 1842, a church was organized composed of 
12 members. Major McBryde and Andrew Jones were 
elected Elders. The organization took place at a log 
school house near the present site, and Rev. John Wilson 
officiated. About this time a Sabbath-school was organ- 
ized by Major McBryde. After the organization in the 
following May, Rev. J. M. Young dispensed the Lord's 
Supper to them. A like service was held in August of 
that year by Rev. David Pressly. During 1845 an< ^ 1846 
they were occasionally supplied by Revs. D. P. Robinson, 
S. P. Davis, J. A. Sloan, J. P. Weed, Rev. Robinson 
coming in May, 1846, as stated supply. Rev. T. J. Bonner 
preached for them three Sabbaths in 1847, an< ^ Rev. Davis 
came as stated supply in May. In 1847, Rev. J. A. Sloan 
moderated a call for Rev. Davis and he was installed in 
September of that year. Shiloh, Lafayette Co., united 
with Ebenezer in this call, and Rev. Davis gave half 
time to the two churches. 

In 1848 the first church building was erected, the con- 
gregation up to this time having used a log school house 
During the next two years recruits settled in the con- 
gregation from Generostee, S. C., and Lebanon, Ala. 

In the spring of 1850, the pastoral relation between 
Rev. Davis and his charge was dissolved by mutual con- 
sent. They were supplied for a time by Revs. A. F. 



462 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Quay and H. H. Robison, and Rev. H. L. Murphy, of 
the Second Presbytery. Synod returned Mr. Robison 
here for the year 1850-185 1. A call was made out for 
him, May 17, 1851, and the installation consummated 
July 24, 1852, Rev. J. L. Young officiating. This pastor- 
ate continued for 29 years, until his death, May 19, 1881. 
"For about ten years," says Bro. Robison, in his sketch 
of the church, "the congregation was blessed by a steady 
increase of their number." 

During 1852-1853, the second house of worship was 
erected, the former having become too small. This house 
was used by the Memphis Presbytery at its organization 
April 15, 1853, "at which time it was virtually dedicated 
by Rev. John Wilson in an appropriate sermon, 133 
Psalm, Vs. 1." 

In August, 1854, Rev. J. L. Young conducted revival 
services, resulting in the addition of 20 members. The 
congregation having now largely increased, more than 
one half time was desired, and this being also true of 
Shiloh, Rev. Robison demitted Shiloh in the fall of 1856, 
devoting his whole time to Ebenezer. During the winter 
of 1856-1857, Mr. Robison was laid aside on account of 
sickness, and his pulpit supplied by Rev. J. L. McDaniel 
of the Georgia Presbytery. 

A few years later the War came on, and the congrega- 
tion lost 20 men in full communion who died in battle or 
in hospital. But after peace, in the next 18 months 50 
person's identified with the church. The growth was grad- 
ual and continued up to the untimely death of Bro. 
Robison. 

In July, 1 88 1, Rev. D. W. Wiseman began supplying 
the congregation and on the 12th of November was called 
and accepted, but owing to his death on December 22, 
1881, he was never installed. During the year 1882 
Revs. Agnew, David Pressly, T. P. Pressly and H. Rabb 
preached occasionally, and on Nov. 11 of this year Rev. 
W. H. Millen began stated labors. The following year 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 463 



he was called and installed August 11, 1883. This rela- 
tion continued until April 23, 1892, when he demitted 
to accept calls from Ebenezer and Hinkston, Ky. 
During the following summer, Rev. J. W. Baird preached 
for them, and was called, and on Dec. 3, 1892, was or- 
dained and installed. This relation was continued until 
January 1st, 1903, when he demitted, that he might take 
work assigned by Synod, at Covington, Tenn. 

Ebenezer. — In Lincoln Co., Ark., was organized at 
Layelle Institute by Revs. John Wilson and J. P. Marion, 
in the fall of 1869. Seventeen members were enrolled. 
Most of them were members of the church in Monticello. 
A. J. Boyd and John Nelson were elected elders. Mr. 
Boyd and family had recently moved from Hopewell, 
Chester Co., S. C. Mr. Nelson, originally from Chester 
Co., S. C, also- had been connected with Mt. Zion while 
it was an A. R. P. church. Their first house of worship, 
a small box house without ceiling, was built in 1872. Ten 
years later a neat frame building was erected on the same 
site, at a cost of about $600. Rev. J. P. Marion contin- 
ued to supply them until the end of 1870. The next ten 
years Rev. John Wilson preached to them once a month, 
except a few months in 1874 and 5, when Rev. J. S. A. 
Hunter supplied them. Rev. W. L. Patterson supplied 
them, '82 to '84. They had only occasional supplies until 
Rev. J. P. Erwin began his labors among them, Nov., 
1885. He was installed pastor for half time, Feb. 19, 
1887. The church had then 27 members. A. J. Boyd, 
John Nelson and John C. Knox constituted the session. 
During this pastorate the church had a healthy growth, 
increasing in numbers and activity. But about the year 
1891 it began to suffer heavily by removals. It has con- 
tinued to suffer from this cause. On account of failing 
health, Mr. Erwin resigned his pastoral charge and the 
relation was dissolved in Nov., 1892. Rev. J. A. Myers 
supplied them in 1893. Rev. J. L. Young was installed 



464 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



pastor for one-fourth time, June 20, 1896. The church 
had then 34 members, and John Nelson, J. C. Knox, J. 
C. Boyd and J. F. Hunter composed the session. 

Ebenezer. — In the neighborhood of County Line, was 
organized in 1880 by Rev. W. L. Patterson. It was 
formed out of one wing of Harmony. A subscription 
was taken up for a building. But the house was never 
erected, and in 1882 the church was disorganized, and the 
members returned to Harmony. 




EBENEZER, GA. 



Ebenezer, Ga. — There is no record to show when Eb- 
enezer was organized. It was probably about 1770. It 
may have been much later. It was first known as Fleet- 
ing's meeting house, afterwards as Big Creek. So far as 
the records show, there never was a time when Ebenezer 
and Bethel were not of the same denomination. There is 
some tradition, however, going to show that they at one 
time belonged to different branches of the psalm singing 
churches. One was Burgher, the other Anti-Burgher. 
The history of the two churches since David Bothwell's 
time has been identical. And if you read the history of 
Bethel church, you have the history of Ebenezer up to 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 465 



1874. At that time Dr. Phillips demitted all of his pas- 
toral charge except Ebenezer. He continued to be the 
pastor of this church until December, 1892, when, on 
account of the infirmities of age, he resigned the pastor- 
ate, after having served this church for forty-four years. 
In 1848, the Elders were William Little, M. G. Scruggs 
and W. D. Stone. At this time, 1903, James A. Flem- 
ming, J. H. Cain, A. S. Patterson. 

This church in recent years has suffered greatly from 
death and emigration, and by removals to near by towns. 
A short time before the resignation of Dr. Phillips, 
Wrens began to be a prosperous village, and a number 
of Ebenezer people had built homes there. July 22, 1893, 
Rev. J. S. Grier was installed pastor. It was during his 
pastorate that they began to have regular preaching at 
Wrens. He also preached at Ocalla, and other points in 
the congregation. A parsonage was built at Ebenezer, 
and a church at Wrens. He resigned in April, 1896. 

Rev. S. W. Reid was installed May 8th, 1897. But 
after a short pastorate, he resigned to accept work at 
Louisville, Ky. He demitted in Sept., 1898. Rev. J. A. 
Smith was called to this church in 1899, and installed 
Dec. 7, 1899. 

He demitted, Dec. 22, 1901, the charge to accept work 
in Russellville, Ark. Rev. R. E. Hough was installed 
pastor in 1902, and is still serving in that capacity. 

The Wrens Branch of this charge was organized by 
the election of the following officers : W. J. Wren, C. J. 
Flemming, J. A. Stone, Elders ; J. E. Flemming, Aurtrey, 
Deacons. 

They have a good church building, a handsome parson- 
age, and the outlook is in every way encouraging. 

Ebenezer, Mecklenburg Co., N. C. — Was organized 
about January, 1870, with 49 members, principally from 
those living in the western wing of Sardis. The first 
building was erected in a beautiful grove, 1869. Rev. 
30 



466 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 




EBENEZER, N. C. 



John Hunter was instrumental in organizing this mis- 
sion and supplied them till Dec., 1875. Prominent in this 
organization and erection of the church were A. H., J. 
W., and Capt. J. E. Griffith, C. E. Bell, J. R., J. M., and 
J. Watt Kirkpatrick, Dr. H. K. DeArmond and R. H. 
Abernethy. The first elders were A. H. Griffith, J. W. 
Griffith, J. R. Kirkpatrick and John Moore Kirkpatrick. 
Rev. G. R. White, D. D., was called in 1875, began la- 
bors Jan. 1, 1876, and was installed Oct. 29 following, 
and continues to hold the affections of a grateful people. 
The following constitute the present session : J. C. Bell, 
J. H. Bigham, J. Watt Kirkpatrick, John H. Griffith, B. 
N. Griffith, and the venerable J. W. Griffith, a charter 
elder. F. O. Bell was ruling elder, but answered the 
higher summons among the four and twenty elders. 

Prominent in erecting the $2,000.00 building in 1899 
were J. Watt Kirkpatrick, F. O. Bell, J. H. Griffith, J. 
H. Bigham, J. Walker Griffith, J. E. Weaver, J. B. Clan- 
ton, B. N. Griffith, etc. Special mention is made of the 
moral support, activity and liberality of the ladies. 
Though beginning a feeble mission she has never asked 
help of Synod's fund, has paid liberally to all causes, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 467 



carried her own burdens, and built two churches. Help- 
ing does not always help. Besides this, she has given 
four loyal sons to the ministry, E. F. and A. H. Griffith, 
A. G. Kirkpatrick and J. S. Grier. 




EBENEZER, VA. 



Ebenezer, Rockbridge Co., Va. — Dates back to 1790, 
the first deed of one acre, costing 83^/3 cents, was made 
by Andrew Kinnear to Isaac Lawson, Jas. Harper and 
Lawrence Mealy, Trustees for House Mountain Meet- 
ing House, April 5th, 1796. 

Rev. David Summerville, a Scotchman, was pioneer 
from 1790 to 1793, the date of his death in Rockbridge. 

Rev. John Cree, of Perth, Scotland, became pastor 
here in 1796, and remained till 1803. Obtaining supplies 
from the Associate Synod, Dr. Andrew Heron was or- 
dained and installed April 1, 181 5. James Lindsay, John 
McKenny, Thomas Lecky, Wm. Gilmore, Wm. McCamp- 
bell and Thomas Harper were his Aarons and Hurs, 
while James Lecky, Wm. Wilson and Wm. McCampbell 
were ordained deacons May 5th, 181 5. About this time 
the old log church was either out of repair or abandoned 
and the congregation used Old Monmouth Presbyterian 
church for about ten years. The name Ebenezer was given 



468 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



in 1825, at which time it is inferred the brick church was 
built. Andrew Harper was, Aug. 19, 1825, ordained 
ruling elder, and Thomas Wilson, deacon. Dr. Heron 
demitted Aug. 1, 1832. Dr. H. Thompson was ordained 
and installed pastor March, 1834. By union with the 
First Presbytery, this church, April 16, 1844, first came 
into connection with the A. R. P. Synod South. The 
session was re-enforced, Oct. 28th, 1843, by the addition 
of Thomas Lecky, Moses McCown, and Jas. F. Harper. 
The latter filled many positions of trust in church and 
State, and died Aug. 19th, i860. Dr. Thompson re- 
signed, that another pastor might be introduced, Nov. 1, 
1846. His fatherly care held the fort till the eloquent 
and magnetic W. M. McElwee came, about May 1, 1848, 
and was ordained and installed, "with flattering pros- 
pects of usefulness" July 26, 1850. John Anderson, Wm. 
P. Nelson and John McKemy were ordained ruling el- 
ders, June 10th, 1853. The Virginia Presbytery was or- 
ganized here May 8th, 1854. 

Bethel, a mission, was built, 1859, and dedicated Jan. 
15th, i860. It was never organized, but received a part 
of the labors of the Ebenezer pastor. 

On the 9th of Sept., 1859, Andrew H. Lecky, Jas. G. 
Dixon, Wm. A. McKemy and Col. Robert H. Brown 
were set apart as elders. April 17, 1868, Dr. McElwee 
resigned the pastorate, and was succeeded by Rev. J. L. 
Hemphill. 

Rev. J. L. Hemphill began labors here May, 1868, 
and was ordained and installed May 14, 1870, and ceased 
his labors about Nov. 18, 1877. Revs. W. A. Wilson 
was stated supply from Sept., 1877, to Sept., 1878; H. R. 
McAulay, Oct. 26, 1879, to Sept., 1880; S. W. Haddon, 
Nov. 14, 1880 to Feb. 10, 1881 ; R. M. Stevenson, Feb. 
20, 1 88 1 to April 19th, 1884, when he became pastor, re- 
signing April 17, 1886. C. W. Kirkpatrick and Robert 
A. McKemy were ordained elders and W. Harvey Dixon 
and Finley Brown deacons, Sept. 12, 1884. Revs. E. E. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 469 



Pressly, O. Y. Bonner and T. W. Sloan served from July 
25, 1886, to Sept., 1888. After a protracted destitution, 
Rev. J. P. Knox came, April, 1890, from Allegheny 
Seminary, and labored enthusiastically till Oct. 18th, 
1891. Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco began stated labors Dec. 
1891, and remained till May, 1893. Rev. E. F. Griffith 
was ordained and installed July 25, 1893, and demitted 
Nov. 1 8th, 1896. Harvey Dixon ordained July 4, 1891, 
and Jas. G. Dixon constitute the session. Rev. D. P. 
Neill began labors first Sabbath, July, 1897, and was in- 
stalled July 1, 1898, and remains pastor. 

Ebenezer has furnished one minister, Rev. Lewis Hick- 
man, of Arkansas, and wives for Dr. W. M. McElwee, 
Dr. J. C. Galloway, Revs. Monroe Oates, J. L. Hemphill, 
J. R. McCormick, J. B. Hood and E. F. Griffith 

The lot and man.se, which cost about $1,215.00, is a 
credit to the liberality of this people It was begun in 
June, 1889, and completed in June, 1892. 

The present new and beautiful church, costing about 
$2,000.00, was dedicated Aug. 21st, 1902. It represents 
not only money, but much toil and patience. 




EBENEZER, KY. 

Ebenezer, Jessamine Co., Ky. — Organized by Second 
Presbytery of Pennsylvania and transferred to A. R. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Presbytery of Kentucky upon its organization Feb. II, 
1801. Revs. John Steele and Adam Rankin preached 
there in 1802. In 1803 the congregation made out a call 
for Rev. Robt. H. Bishop, which he was willing to ac- 
cept, but the Presbytery refused to permit it, as he was 
Professor in the Transylvania University in Lexington, 
about 20 miles distant. He appealed to the General 
Synod, which, in 1807, sustained him, and ordered the 
Presbytery to install him. This was done Sept. 28th, 
1808. The relation was dissolved Oct. 27th, 1814. It 
was supplied by members of Presbytery, viz., A. Craig, 
D. Reck, W. H. Rainey, John Steele, and perhaps others 
for several years. In 1830 it was supplied by Rev. 
James Walker in connection with New Hope. In 1833 
was visited by Rev. Andrew Bower, who was followed 
by others up to 1840, when the congregation transferred 
its membership from the Synod of the West to the Synod 
of the South. 

Rev. N. M. Gordon began preaching here Dec. 5th, 
1 84 1, under appointment of the Synod of the South 
and was installed as pastor May 13th, 1843. The church 
prospered under his ministry, which continued until Oct. 
13th, 1870. During his pastorate the whole number 
enrolled upon the church book was 185. The record 
shows 60 deaths, besides some removals, and also a num- 
ber of colored servants included in the membership. The 
membership was about 80 at this time. In 1870 he, with 
a majority of the congregation, changed his connection 
to the Southern Presbyterian Church. 

Rev. W. R. Hemphill, D. D., began preaching to those 
who remained in the A. R. P. Church on the 19th Dec, 
1870. On Saturday before the first Sabbath of June, 1871, 
he reorganized the church with 20 members, with James 
Rennick, W. L. Guyn and R. N. Guyn as elders. Dr. 
Hemphill served them two years. He was followed by 
Revs. J C. Galloway, G. R. White, J. S. A. Hunter, J. S. 
Mills and perhaps others until 1881. Rev. W. O. Coch- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 471 

ran was installed pastor in September, 1881., and con- 
tinued until September, 1884. The church was sup- 
plied by the Board of Missions until 1892 — Rev. R. 
Y. Mills preaching here three years, 1885, 6, and 7. Oct. 
1st, 1892, Rev. W. H. Millemwas installed pastor, which 
relation continued until June 15th, 1896. The church 
grew under his ministry, but never reached its former 
strength. It has since subsisted on the supply system un- 
der the control of the Board, but no one has remained 
long^ The supply at present is Rev. C. S. Young, who 
began his work in Jan., 1901. 

The first church building was built of stone in Jessa- 
mine Co., about two miles from the present location. 
The present building is in Woodford Co. It is a hand- 
some brick building costing besides the lot and some 
material and work donated, about $2,000. It was built 
during the pastorate of Rev. W. O. Cochran and com- 
pleted Sept. 14, 1883. 

In a meeting held by Rev. R. Y. Mills in 1886, 13 
members were added to the church. 

The session at present is composed of J. R. Guyn, T. 
D. Black, Geo. Jewell and W. L. Guyn, and Wm. Black 
and Ed. Haydon, deacons. 

The congregation entertained Synod in its annual ses- 
sion in 1844. 

The active membership is small at present, about 34 
names. The church has always paid its ministers in 
full and generally paid the Assessments in full to Home 
and Foreign Missions. 

For several years, from 1892, it maintained an active 
Young Peoples' Society. 

At present it has a Ladies' Aid Society and a Sunday 
School. 

Ebenezer, Laurens Co., S. C, organized by Rev. D. F. 
Haddon, Aug. 30, 1850, consisting of 5 members. 




EDGEMOOR, S. C. 



Edgmoor, S. C. — The congregation of Edgmoor, Ches- 
ter Co., S. C, was organized by Rev. J. S. MofTatt by 
order of the First Presbytery, April 13th, 1889. It is 
situated midway between Union and Neely's Creek, and 
was made up in part by members of these churches. Its 
first pastor was Rev. W. C. Ewarts, who was ordained 
and installed in July, 1892. Mr. Ewarts continued pas- 
tor until the spring of 1896. Rev. E. F. Griffith was 
installed in Dec, 1896, and continued pastor until Dec, 
1898. 

Rev. L. T. Pressly was installed Nov. 28th, 1899, and 
is pastor at the present time. The first church building was 
destroyed by a cyclone just as it was nearing completion. 
With the aid of friends all over the Synod, the congre- 
gation erected the present building in 1890. The field of 
this congregation is limited, but it is steadily growing. 

Eighteen Mile Creek, Get., organized before 1789. 

Eno, Gaston Co., N. C, with New Hope and Goshen, 
having official existence before 1790, formed a group in 
southeast Gaston Co. From Eno and New Hope in N. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 473 



C. went, Oct. 28th, 1774, to the Associate Presbytery of 
Pa., a petition "craving supply." See New Hope. 

Elk Shoal, Alexander Co., N. C, Aug. 22, 1836, 
David Alexander, an elder in Stirling, and Warren 
Pendergrass made a deed for a burying ground on which 
a church could be erected for all except Roman Catholics. 
A wall was built around the cemetery, a church begun but 
rotted, and another so far completed as to be used. Rev. 
W. R. Pressly organized it in 1875 with Leander Quinton 
and E. M. Alexander and Henry McLain elders. This 
being a union church not centrally located, soon after 
the installation of Rev. W. M. Hunter, Sept. 20, 1878, 
the prevailing opinion was to go up to the mountain 
and get wood and build my house. It was first used at 
a meeting, beginning -June 4, 1880, at which part of 
seven families were received and all the children of two 
families baptized. The name Elk Shoal was given in 
1881. The house was completed Sept., 1883, when the 
First Presbytery was entertained. Rev. W. B. Pressly 
was supply from '75 to '78, Rev. W. M. Hunter pas- 
tor Sept. 20, 1878 to Oct. 2, 1888. Revs. W. C. Ewart, 
E. E. Pressly, E. B. Anderson supplied till Sept 17, 1893, 
the latter became pastor, resigning April 5, 1898. Rev. 
W. Y. Love was installed Nov. 19, 1901. Leander, E. 
M., Quinton and Baxter Alexander, J. W. Sherril, C. L. 
Drum and Franklin Johnson and Mrs. J. T. Hedrick 
were largely instrumental in founding Elk Shoals. 

Elk Valley, Lincoln Co., Tenn., was organized by 
Tennessee and Alabama Presbytery in 1895 by a consoli- 
dation of New Hope and Bethel. It is located on the 
Fayetteville road near the Elk River. A church building 
was erected in 1895. Rev. I. N. Kennedy was ordained 
and installed pastor Nov. 10, 1895, and continues to labor 
there. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Fairview Church was organized about 1893 as a re- 
sult of work done in a destitute section of Henry County, 
Georgia. Rev. Bell preached at first in a school house, 
afterward under a brush arbor. A protracted meeting 
was held in the summer of 1894 and a number of persons 
made a profession of faith. A Sabbath School was or- 
ganized and steps were taken to erect a building, and 
the congregation was enrolled by the Second Presbytery. 
Rev. S. P. Davis moderated a call which was made out 
for Rev. R. L. Bell and by him accepted, and he was 
installed Dec. 18th, 1894. This relation continued until 
Sept. 1st, 1900, when the pastor resigned. In the mean 
time the church building had been completed, and the 
membership was sixty-eight. In Dec, 1900, Rev. L. I. 
Echols began to supply this church. They called him, 
asking for one-fourth of his time, and he was installed 
Jan. 10th, 1902. 

Flemingsburg Church, Ky., was probably organized 
by the Second A. R. Presbytery of Pennsylvania and 
came into the Kentucky Presbytery at its organization, 
Feb. nth, 1801. It was ministered to by Rev. John 
Steele in connection with Shiloh and Hinkston from 
1800 up to 18 1 7. 

The next pastor was Rev. Hugh Mayne, from May 
17th, 1826 to 1838. Sept. 5, 1845, it was received into 
the A. R. Presbytery of Kentucky from the A. R. Pres- 
bytery of Chillicothe, Second Synod of the West. It 
was then served by Rev. G. Gordon in connection with 
Olivet, and it also received preaching from various min- 
isters serving A. R. P. churches in Central Kentucky. 
The work did not prosper, and was abandoned, Presby- 
tery appointed a committee to dispose of the property. 

The last report which was adopted, was submitted 
May 19th, 1888 by R. A. Thompson, J. T. Marshall and 
James Boyce. It was in effect that the property was 
very much depreciated, and worth only about $300.00, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



conditions in the deed and heirs numerous, and law suits 
likely to be expensive. The report was adopted and 
Com. discharged and case dropped. 

French Broad, Buncombe Co., N. C, was organized by 
the Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas before 1819. 
Supplied by travelling Associate Missionaries and passed 
from the roll about 1822. 

Forks of the James was situated about one and a half 
miles northeast of Natural Bridge, Va. It was built pos- 
sibly during the Revolution, constructed of hewn logs, 
with 12 corners, a pulpit in one end, a fire place in the 
side and the door was of pine, paneled, and long preserved 
after the church passed away. Henry Miller emigrated 
from Londonderry, Ireland, 1745, where his ancestors 
had shown much valor in the notable siege of London- 
derry. The Montgomeries, probably Lackeys and 
Leeches, came also from North Ireland. Henry Miller 
was largely instrumental in building this church on his 
own land. William Gilmore and Samuel Snodgrass were 
elders. Other worshipers and members, Jas. White- 
man, Billy Ramsey, John Crawford, the Paxtons, and 
Irwin. Rev. Wm. Baldridge, a North Carolinian, was 
ordained and installed pastor Aug., 1793, as also a 
church across the James River in Bottolout Co. The 
church was prosperous and thronged with worshippers 
far and near till a tide of emigration set in about 1800 to 
the cheap and fertile lands of Ohio. The pastor resigned 
Oct. 18, 1803, but continued as stated supply in connec- 
tion with Timber Ridge, (A. R.), till the summer of 1809. 
At this date with a large part of his flock he rejoined 
those who had preceded to the rich Ohio Valley. The 
remnant lived on occasional supplies and reappeared in 
Broad Creek 1824. The old graveyard marks the spot, 
with the Blue Ridge a grand background. Henry Mil- 
ler's remains lie there — born 1726, died 1798. 



476 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Frisco is a few miles north of Paris, Texas. Rev. E. 
E. Patterson opened a mission here and in 1891 organized 
a church with nine members. W. J. Sanderson and 
Samuel Pain were ordained elders. A house was built 
in 1893 at a cost of $1,140.00. A few days after the house 
was received from the contractor a wind storm moved it 
from its foundation and otherwise damaged it. Soon 
after these damages were repaired it was visited by a 
second, and a week later by a third storm. These were 
not as severe as the first. It was supplied by Rev. L. 
I. Echols in 1896 and Rev. J. H. Simpson in 1897 one- 
fourth time. In 1898 Frisco became a portion of Rev. 
T. W. Hayes' charge, taking one fourth of his time. On 
account of frequent removals its growth has been slow. 

Gastonia, N. C. — This church was inaugurated and 
organized by Rev. E. E. Boyce. For several years prior 
to this preaching was held in the Old White Church in 
West Gastonia. In 1886 a lot was bought for $145.00 
and a house erected at a cost of $1,200.00, and this has 
been improved and beautified by the additional expendi- 
ture of $700.00. The house was dedicated in March, 
1887, by Rev. C. E. McDonald. The congregation was 
organized in 1887. Dr. Boyce was never formally in- 
stalled as pastor. Messrs. Thomas Hanna, Dixon Hanna, 
Thomas Wilson, Lawson Jenkins, J. H. B. Jenkins, W. 
W. Boyce, J. T. Bigham and G. M. Neill were the first 
elders, and Thos. W. Wilson, Dr. W. H. Wilson, Thomas 
Pearson, Miles Hanna and J. P. Reid were the first 
Deacons. 

In Oct., 1893, Dr. Boyce felt constrained through the 
infirmities of age to demit the pastorate. Rev. J. C. Gal- 
loway was immediately called for one half time, and 
began work on the 4th Sabbath of December, 1893. 
This arrangement was continued until January, 1901, 
when he was called for the whole time, and this arrange- 
ment still continues. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Since the organization Mr. M. H. Dwyer has served 
as elder and F. M. Gallant as deacon. The present bench 
of elders consists of Messrs. Dixon Hanna, A. F. White- 
sides, J. T. McDill, S. T. Wilson and R. W. Carson. 

The following are the board of deacons : Thomas 
Rearson, J. F. McArver, J. P. Reid, S. N. Boyce and 
A. M. Whitesides. The church is well organized and 
has all the auxiliary societies. 

Geo. W. Hanna, a member of the congregation, is a 
student in the Seminary. 

The congregation has a neat and tasteful house of 
worship centrally located and a membership of 105. 

Generostee. — This church is situated in Anderson Co., 
S. C, seventeen miles south of -'the city of Anderson. 
Like many other churches it gets its name from a stream 
that flows near by. As no records seem to have been 
kept little is known of its early history. The first house 
was built of logs a mile and a half west of the present 
location. The second also of logs — date of erection in 
either case unknown. The third — a large frame building 
— was put up in 1828. The present building, a small, 
neat frame building, was erected in 1897. Rev. Robert 
Irwin was the first pastor. He was installed some time 
in the year 1800. His pastorate continued until his death, 
which occurred in 1823. Mr. Irwin owned a good 
farm of perhaps 250 acres. As he had no children he 
left this (on the death of his wife) as a home for pas- 
tors who should succeed him. 

After the death of Mr. Irwin the church was vacant 
until 1830, when Rev. E. E. Pressly was installed pastor 
of this church in connection with Due West, and labored 
here until 1838, when he was called to Due West for 
all his time. In 1840 Rev. J. C. Chalmers settled over 
this congregation and the relation continued until 1856. 
This was the most prosperous period in the history of 
this congregation. On every Sabbath the house was 



478 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



filled with devout worshippers — many of them coming 
on foot or horseback eight and even ten miles. The spirit 
of emigration, however, entered the congregation, and 
the removals were numerous — some going to Georgia, 
others to Mississippi and other places. In this way the 
ranks of this congregation were so thinned that the pas- 
tor was discouraged and sought and secured a dissolu- 
tion. 

In 1862 Rev. W. L. Pressly was sent as a supply. In 
1863 he was called and installed and remained until 1871, 
when he was called to Due West. In 1873 Rev. R. F. 
Bradley was settled as pastor and remained until 1883. 
Rev. Calvin Pressly was pastor from 1884 until 1894. 
The congregation was then without a pastor until 1897, 
when Rev. J. V. Black was called and installed. Mr. 
Black was released at the fall meeting of Presbytery at 
Troy, S. C, 1903. At this writing, Dec, 1903, the con- 
gregation is vacant. 

Two other congregations, viz., Grove and Iva, have 
been organized out of this one. This, together with re- 
movals, has very much weakened it. 

Names of some of the families that have passed away : 
Boyds, Carlisles, Gordons, McDonald, Leslie, Robinson, 
Henderson, Wylie, Pressly, Lusk, McGill, Buchanan . 

This congregation has furnished the following minis- 
ters to the church : Revs. John S. Pressly, Laughlin 
McDonald, James L. Young, John N. Young, L. L. D., 
G. G. Gordon, N. M. Gordon, Thomas Turner, Wm. 
Turner, Alex. Ranson, D. D., E. E. Pressly, Jr. 

Little is now known of Gilder s Creek, Laurens County, 
S. C. The proceedings of the Presbytery of the Caro- 
linas, and Georgia contains a few, and only a few, facts 
in regard to this church. On March 10, 1812, Gilder's 
Creek united with Warrior's Creek in petitioning for a 
part of Mr. Renwick's time, but two years later, March 
1, 1814, Mr. Renwick withdrew from his connection with 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Gilder's Creek. This vacancy, together with Warren's 
Creek, was reported to Synod in 1816 as being in a weak 
condition. There seems to have been some difference 
of opinion among the members on the question of Chris- 
tian communion, and this difference of opinion probably 
led to disorganization, some of the members going to 
other churches and other communions. 

Gilder's Creek, Newberry, S. C. — This church is the 
probable successor of Indian Creek, which was a Pres- 
byterian Church in Newberry County, S. C. Rev. John 
Renwick, Jr., was the first and only pastor so far as we 
have been able to learn. The original site of the church 
was quite near the stream after which it was named and 
a mile and a half from Indian Creek. Rev. John Ren- 
wick, Jr., settled here as pastor about the year 1809, he 
also served Warrior Creek (Bethel) in Laurens at the 
same time. He was pastor five years, and for a number 
of years before his death was supeannuated. He died in 
1836. The church seems to have gone into the Presby- 
terian Church sometime before the year 1820, for about 
this date Rev. John Kennedy of the Presbyterian body 
was its pastor. Just how the church came to leave the 
Associate Reformed Presbytery we do not know. 

Gilead, Mecklenburg Co., N. C. — About 1765 Alexan- 
der Baldridge, his wife and son Wm., who afterward 
became a distinguished minister, came from Lancaster 
Co., Pa., and settled m Lincoln Co., N. C, not far from 
Cowan's Ford. A petition from Catawba River in Meck- 
lenburg Co., N. C, for supply of sermon went up to the 
Presbytery of Pennsylvania April 13th, 1764. Doubtless 
they were visited by Dr. Thomas Clark, Dr. John Rod- 
gers, Revs. James Martin, Andrew Patton, before, and 
Rev. John Jamieson after the Revolution in the winter 
of 1783 and 1784. May 16, 1787, a call, which he de- 
clined, was presented to Rev. John Jamieson from Hope- 



480 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 




GILEAD, N. C. 



well in N. C. in connection with Coddle Creek. This 
was either the present Hopewell Presbyterian Church 
called Catawba River, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, or more 
probably the supporters of an inspired Psalmody who 
afterwards formed Gilead. Here in 1787 possibly marks 
the organization of this church. 

There is an old graveyard one mile northwest of 
Gilead existing as far back as 1753. "Many worthy 
characters, soldiers and godly church members found 
their last resting place here." This was used awhile as 
a preaching place. 

At that early day forts or stockades were built on van- 
tage ground. Thither the inhabitants could flee when the 
treacherous Indian approached. The present situation of 
Gilead was once such a fort. In the autumn of 1788 
Rev. John Boyse was licensed and doubtless began his 
labors here soon afterward and was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor July 1, 1789. After a ministry of less 
than five years he died of consumption March 18, 1793. 

The earliest deed was made April 19, 1791, by Sam 
Blythe to Alexander Baldridge, Wm. Henderson, David 
Smith, Hugh Lucas and others for two and a half acres, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 481 



being a part of tract patented to Wm. Price 1755. Rev. 
James McKnight reached here early in 1795, probably, 
and served and being ordained Sept., 1796, was next 
year installed. 

Sept. 28, 1804, another deed of one acre was made by 
Wm. Conner to David Wilson and Michael Baldridge 
for Gilead congregation of the Reformed Synod. About 
this time a part of the congregation joined the newly 
formed Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas and was 
supplied by them. They most probably used the same 
building. 

The death of Rev Jas. McKnight Sept. 17, 1831, closed 
his long and continuous pastorate. Some three years 
afterwards both parties united arid were fortunate in se- 
curing, Aug. 20, 1834, the pastoral services of Rev. John 
G. Witherspoon of the A. R. P. Church. His resignation, 
Sept. 23, 1840, opened the way for the pastorate of the 
enthusiastic and magnetic John Hunter, July 24, 1844 to 
April 14, 1 85 1, and Rev. R. F. Taylor from Oct. 19, 185 1, 
to April 20, 1857. A minister, wife and two children 
reached here in Oct., 1857, in a two horse carriage via 
Old Providence, Va. This is the great, good and patient 
Dr. A. Ranson. The installation is Dec. 11, 1857, and 
because of infirmity his resignation is registered Sept. 3, 
1877. These were followed by Rev. D. G. Caldwell May 
9, 1879 to April 6, 1885, Rev. W. Y. Love full time April, 
1885, to Oct. 5, 1891. Rev. W. M. Hunter stated 
supply Feb. 15, 1892, to May 26, 1893, pastor from thence 
till Dec. 11, 1898. Rev. E. F. Griffith, S. S., from Jan. 
to Oct., 1899. Rev. J. M. Bigham was ordained May 8, 
1900, and became pastor Nov. 27, and so remains. The 
first building was of logs, afterwards weather-boarded 
and ceiled, standing between the present structure and 
the road. In 1882 a substantial and elegant brick church 
was erected at a cost of $2,000. 

Dr. J. B. Alexander, a Presbyterian, who practiced 
medicine among them for 30 years, says: "They were 
31 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



the best people I ever knew," and also adds : "The first 
elders were Wm. Henderson, David Smith and Hugh 
Lucas. Later Patrick Johnson, Wm. Beard and Gilbreath 
McKnight. Still later Jas. Blakely, White Morrow, 
Ewart Bell, John Bell, Sr., and John Price, Jr." More 
recently Green Barnett, Benjamin Brown, Jesse N. Whit- 
low, Dixon Ewart, D. H. Fidler, Alex. Gibson and Sam- 
uel Black were elders." Present session is E. A. Mc- 
Aulay, Eli Alexander, J. F. M. Beard, W. T. Cashion, 
J. T. Cashion, W. A. Alexander and M. B. Alexander. 
Deacons are J. B. Alexander, J. A. Goodrum and Henry 
Fidler. A very efficient school of three teachers and 
100 pupils in a commodious building near by is conducted 
by Prof. W. C. Crosby. Rev. J. A. Myers was reared in 
this church. 

Gill's Creek, in Lancaster Co., S. C, was organized by 
the First Presbytery in 1859. It is thought that the first 
man who preached there was the Rev. Leroy Grier, who 
supplied the church for awhile. Rev. J. H. Peoples also 
preached there for a time when he was a young man. 
Rev. D. P. Robinson was the first pastor, and he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. E. E. Pressly, who was installed in 1871, 
and continued for a number of years. Rev. R. Y. Mills 
succeeded Mr. Pressly in Nov., 1888, and was pastor 
until his death in March, 1889. 

Rev. H. B. Blakely was the next pastor, being installed 
in 1890, and continuing pastor until about 1895. Rev. 
J. L Oates was installed in Nov., 1897, and continued 
until 1900. Rev. J. Meek White was installed in April, 
1 901, and still continues pastor at this time. In recent 
years Gill's Creek has been very much depleted in mem- 
bership, a number of its members having gone into the 
church at Lancaster and Pleasant Hill. 

Goshen, Gaston Co., N. C, an Associate congregation 
in the Revolutionary period, a short distance south of 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 483 



Lincolnton, associated with, and receiving the same sup- 
plies as New Hope. (See New Hope.) Had an organi- 
zation before 1790. 

Grove. — This church is an off-shoot of Generostee. 
It was organized to accommodate some of the members 
of that church who were too far away to attend conveni- 
ently. It is situated about four miles northwest of 
Generostee. Rev. R. F. Bradley, while pastor of Gene- 
rostee, began preaching in a grove near the present site. 
In a short while a temporary building was erected. An 
organization was not effected until 1879, during the pas- 
torate of Rev. Calvin Pressly. In 1892 the present house 
was built. 

In 1897 or '98 Dr. Orr held a meeting at this church, 
at which there were numerous additions to the mem- 
bership. At present, however, the membership is very 
small. Rev. A. L. Patterson is their present supply. 

Hanging Rock, Lancaster Co., S. C. — Hanging Rock 
in Lancaster Co., S. C, appears in the minutes of the 
General Synod in 1806 and 1807, and nothing more can 
be learned of it. It was probably at or near a place of that 
name where a battle was fought in the Revolutionary 
War. 

Hardin, Tex. — Hardin is a sparsely settled section in the 
pine region of southeast Texas. In this county Josie Jones 
and Capt. A. B. Mitchell from Covington Co., Ala., lo- 
cated about the year 1858 with their families. Rev. T. J. 
Bonner visited them a few times and preached for them 
a short while. Rev. W. L. Patterson came to them 
early in 1874 and preached a few months. Rev. J. L. 
Young spent some months with them in 1875. In the 
summer of that year Rev. W. L. Patterson organized a 
church with 12 or 15 members in a dilapidated union 
church building in Hardin. Josie Jones and A. B. Mit- 



484 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



chell were chosen elders. This was the first church or- 
ganized in the State of Texas in connection with the As- 
sociate Reformed Synod. It was not in the bounds of 
any Presbytery. The congregation never built a house 
of worship. Being remote from any other A. R. P. 
church the Hardin church never enjoyed the advantages 
of regular ordinances long at a time. They received 
some supplies every year until 1891. The members be- 
gan to move away and the work was then abandoned. 

Harmony, Tex. — Harmony, in. Freestone Co., was for 
many years one of Rev. T. J. Bonner's places of preaching. 
He and Rev. W.L. Patterson organized a church here Oct. 
7, 1876. It was composed largely of the Bonners, Robin- 
sons, McCreary and others originally from Alabama. 
The people of the community had erected a neat house 
to be used by different denominations on different days. 
This house is used by the Harmony people. Rev. T. J. 
Bonner supplied them one-fourth time until the fall of 
1878. Rev. W. L. Patterson till Dec, '79, Rev. W. H. 
Millen half time till Oct., '82, Rev. David Pressly in '83 
and '84. Rev. W. L. Patterson returned to them in 
Nov., '84, and was installed pastor of Harmony and 
Richland in Sept., 1885, each church taking half of his 
time. Harmony had 37 members at that time. This was 
a self-supporting charge, and the first pastoral settlement 
formed in the Presbytery. The church prospered and 
this happy relation continued till Nov., '97, when failing 
eyesight and other afflictions caused the pastor to resign. 
The church had 43 members at that time. Rev. J. R. 
McCormick took up the work and was installed pastor 
April 15, 1899. Harmony has lost many members by 
removal to railroad towns. 

Harmony, Edgefield Co., S. C, organized 1840. Rev. 
W. W. Patton supplied one-fourth time '45 and Rev. S. 
P. Davis most Synodical year '45-46. By deaths and 
removals it became extinct in 1848. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 485 



Head Springs, Laurens Co., S. C. — When this church 
was organized is not known. It must have been an or- 
ganization, however, in 18 16, for we find that Rev. 
Henry Bryson, D. D., was a member of this church at 
this early date. The first pastor was Rev. J. L. Young, 
installed in 1836. He demitted his charge in 1850, and 
removed the following year to Pontotoc County, Miss. 
Rev. D. F. Haddon, who had been assistant pastor to 
Mr. Young, became pastor in full at this time, and con- 
tinued to preach for Head Springs, Providence and 
Bethel until the close of 1892, when he was released 
from his pastoral charge, after nearly half a century of 
service. Head Spring was then supplied by Rev. Robt. 
Lathan, D. D., for sometime, and after him by Rev. H. 
Rabb, the latter becoming pastor of the three Laurens 
churches. After Bro. Rabb's pastorate, Rev. W. A. M. 
Plaxco was called and settled over Head Spring and 
Providence in 1900. Bethel separated and decided to 
call a man for his whole time. 

The church at Head Spring is not strong, but steps 
are now in progress looking to a removal to the town 
of Cross Hill; if these should be consummated, the 
church would likely grow. 

Head Spring, Newberry Co., S. C. — This church, now 
without a congregation and with no preaching, was once 
a prosperous organization. Its existence dates from 
1824, when with King's Creek, Cannon Creek and Pros- 
perity, it constituted one pastoral charge. The Rev. 
Wm. Blackstock preached the first sermon in the build- 
ing, in July, 1824, the first Sabbath after the death of 
Rev. Charles Strong, which occurred on the 20th of the 
month. The subject of Mr. Blackstock's lecture in the 
morning was the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. In the even- 
ing he preached from Romans 8th chap., and 33rd v., 
"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" 

Rev. Samuel P. Pressly was pastor from 1826 to 1833. 



486 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



From 1835 to 1855, Rev. Jonathan Galloway was pas- 
tor. He resigned on account of ill health. In the year 
1858, Rev. J. C. Boyd became pastor and faithfully 
preached until 1890. Rev. D. G. Phillips was chosen 
pastor in 1890; he resigned in 1892. For a number of 
years the church was vacant. In 1897, Rev. J. B. Hood 
became pastor, resigning in 1902. The church is at this 
writing (1904) well nigh extinct, there being only one 
or two families living near. The rest have moved away 
or died. Rev. J. C. Chalmers was reared in this con- 
gregation, having been brought up under the ministry of 
Rev. Samuel P. Pressly. 

Head Spring, Marshall Co., Tenn. — Was organized by 
the Tennessee Presbytery, but the date is not given. Dr. 
Henry Bryson first supplied the pulpit. The first pastor 
was Rev. S. S. Ralston, who was ordained and installed 
June 7th, 1839. He demitted April 23, 1843. It was 
vacant for two years, when Rev. Jno. K. Boyce was in- 
stalled, April 18, 1845. He demitted Sept. 30, 1848. The 
church was again vacant for three years. At a meeting 
of Presbytery (Tennessee) at Salem, Tenn., May 2, 
185 1, Rev. T. W. Parkinson accepted a call from Bethel, 
Zion and Head Spring, and Revs. H. Bryson and A. S. 
Sloan were directed to install him, and the order w T as 
complied with. This relation continued until the death of 
Mr. Parkinson, on Sept. 6, 1857. The next pastor, Rev. 
A. S. Montgomery, was installed Nov. 6th, 1858. This 
relation was disturbed by the civil war, Mr. Montgom- 
ery removing North. No records of Presbytery from 
1866 to 1879, and exact dates can not be given; but the 
next and fifth pastor was Rev. C. S. Young, called and 
settled about 1872. He was released from this pastorate 
Oct. 19, 1883. The congregation was vacant now for 
several years, during which it was supplied by Revs. J. 
H. Peoples, E. B. Anderson, and others. Rev. W. B. 
Logan was the next pastor, and was installed April, 1893. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



487 



This pastorate continued for about one year when Mr. 
Logan withdrew and connected with the United Presby- 
terian Church. Rev. J. M. White was installed Dec. 1st, 
1895, and was released in the spring of 1898. Since that 
date, Head Spring has been a vacancy, having only oc- 
casional supplies. Each of her seven pastors gave one- 
half time to this work. Two houses of worship have 
been erected, but dates are unknown. She has given one 
minister to the world, Rev. A. S. Montgomery. (Proba- 
bly Rev. A. S. Ralston was born and raised in this 
church.) 

Hebron, S. C. — Hebron is situated in York Co., S. C, 
and was organized by the First Presbytery in Dec, 1900. 
For several years previous to the organization, Rev. J. S. 
Grier, pastor of Sharon Church had been preaching at 
this point occasionally for the convenience of some of his 
members living in that vicinity, and the result was the 
organization of the church there. Rev. J. S. Grier was 
called as pastor, and was installed for one-fourth of his 
time in July, 1901, and still continues as pastor. The 
elders at Hebron are : J. E. Gettys, E. B. Carnes, and J. J. 
Gaulden. 

Hebron, Tipton Co., Tenn., (originally called Mt. He- 
bron.) — Is about midway between Salem church and 
Atoka, on the Illinois Central R. R., on the old Randolph 
road. It has the distinction of being the only congre- 
gation in the Synod composed exclusively of colored peo- 
ple. The Rev. Peter Bryson, the only living colored min- 
ister of the Synod, organized the church and has contin- 
ued as its pastor to the present time. The Presbyterial 
order to organize the congregation was given in the fall 
of 1887, and Rev. Bryson reported in May of 1888 that 
the order had been obeyed, but the date is not given. 
About 20 members composed the organization, and Louis 
Foster was one of the elders chosen. They own the 



488 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



house and lot free of debt. Rev. Bryson has done faith- 
ful work among his people, but there has been but small 
numerical growth. Of late it has been very much weak- 
ened by removals. But its mission in the world has not 
been in vain in the Lord. 




HARMONY, OKLA. 



Herman. — In Greer Co., Okla., is the outcome of a 
colony located by Rev. E. P. Stewart in 1890. He began 
preaching in Pleasant Point school house that year, the 
first Sabbath in May, and organized with ten members, 
Dec. 31, 1890. James and Samuel Turner, from Beth- 
any, Miss., were elected elders. Rev. E. P. Stewart supplied 
them most of the time for eleven years At times there 
was much restlessness and moving among the people. 
But the coming of the railroad and building of the 
church brought a brighter day. Their first church build- 
ing was dedicated in Sept., 1901. Revs W. W. Orr and 
T. W. Hayes conducted a meeting at the time in which 
22 members were added to the church, and the church 
was named Herman. Rev. E. P. Stewart desiring to re- 
tire, the congregation petitioned for a man's whole time. 
Rev. J. R. Millen was sent in answer to this request. He 
began work here in Jan., 1902. In the spring he opened 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 489 



work in Leger, a railroad town about six miles from 
the church. He has secured a lot and is planning to 
build a church there in the near future. Herman re- 
ported 46 members in 1902. They maintain a S. S. and a 
L. B. Society. 

Head of Cataba, Burke Co., N. C. — A small vacancy 
of Associate Church, organized before 1819, and disap- 
peared in two or three years. 

Hickory Spring. — In March, 1857, a colony settled in 
Bradley Co., Ark. Fifteen of them were members of 
Neely's Creek church in S. C. They left York Co., S. 
C, in Dec, 1856, and drove through the country in their 
wagons. It took three months to make the trip. Rev. 
T. D. Davis came to them in May, 1858, and preached a 
short while. Rev. J. M. Brown came to them in 1859, and 
organized the church with 15 members during the sum- 
mer. Jonathan Davis and J. F. Leslie were elected el- 
ders. A log church was built in i860. Near by was a 
spring encased in a section of a hollow hickory tree. 
From this spring the church received its name. Rev. J. 
M. Brown supplied the church part of the time for two 
years. Rev. A. Mayne supplied them in 1862. For a few 
years they had very little preaching. Rev. D. Kerr sup- 
plied them in 1867. Then Rev. John Wilson once a 
month for three years. Rev. J. P. Marion was their sup- 
ply in 1870, and their pastor in 1871. During the next 
few years they had supplies from Revs. John Wilson, J. 
S. A. Hunter and W. A. Wilson. In the fall, 1877, Rev. 
J. S. A. Hunter returned to them, and gave them half his 
time. He was installed pastor Nov. 28, 1879. They had 
56 members at that time. The same year they erected 
a commodious frame church. They had the lumber 
sawed in the neighborhood, and the people did the work. 
Mr. Hunter's pastorate terminated in Dec, 1887, when 
he went to Mexico to engage in Foreign Mission work. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. T. G. Boyce began work here in the summer of '88, 
and was installed pastor for half time, in Dec. of that 
year. The relation was dissolved in Feb., 1893, and he 
moved to Tennessee. The church prospered during, these 
pastorates. It now numbered about 80 members, and 
was well organized for work. The session was com- 
posed of J. H. Davis, I. D. McFadden and J. W. Pierce. 
Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco supplied in 1893. Rev. T. B. 
Stewart was pastor from 1894 to '99, one-half time. 
Rev. A. H. Griffith was supply in 1900. Rev. J. W. 
McCain was the supply half time until July, 1901, when 
he was installed pastor. The membership reported in 
1901 was 117. 

Hickory Grove, York Co., S. C. — For many years pre- 
vious to the organization of a church at this place, there 
had been occasional preaching by A. R. P. ministers at 
Unity, an undenominational chapel, one mile west of the 
place where the A. R. P. church now stands. With the 
building of a new railroad through York Co., a village 
sprang up, which was called Hickory Grove, and with 
the coming of this railroad came the organization of an 

A. R. P. church, on Dec. 6th, 1888. The church was 
organized by Rev. J. C. Galloway in the home of Mr. J. 
N. McDill, with twenty-nine members, all of them having 
been transferred from Smyrna. Within a year from this 
time a large and handsome church was built. The church 
was supplied with preaching by Revs. J. H. Peoples, J. 

B. Cochran and H. R. McAulay. In the fall of 1891, 
it united with Smyrna in a call for the pastoral services 
of Rev. J. P. Knox, and he was installed in Dec, 1891, 
continuing pastor until May, 1899. In March, 1900, Rev. 
J. L. Oates was installed pastor of Hickory Grove and 
Smyrna and still continues as pastor. At this time it 
has grown to be a large and flourishing congregation. 

The elders of this church are : J. N. McDill, Moses 
White, J. W. Castles, J. C. Wylie, J. N. McGill and J. R. 
Mitchell. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 491 

Hinkston, Bourbon Co., Ky. — The settlement on Hink- 
ston Creek by the Steele, Shaw, Marshall, McClintock 
and Thompson families dates back to 1775. The church 
was organized by the 2nd A. R. Presbytery of Pennsyl- 
vania. The first settled pastor was Rev. John Steele. 
He was ordained by the 1st Presbytery of Pennsylvania, 
August 12, 1799, and soon afterwards installed as pastor 
of Shiloh, in Fleming Co., and Hinkston, in Bourbon Co. 
Ky. The relation was dissolved Sept. 7th, 1803. He, 
however, continued to supply Hinkston until 181 7, when 
he accepted a call to Xenia, O. 

Rev. W. H. Rainey then became stated supply, and 
was installed as pastor Thursday before the 2nd Sabbath 
of Dec, 1825. This relation was dissolved in April, 1832. 
Shortly after this, the church was taken under the care 
of the Chillicothe Presbytery — 2nd Synod of the West. 
It remained in this connection until Sept. 5th, 1845, when 
it returned to the A. R. Presbytery of Kentucky. Rev. 
James Hannon served as pastor from 1832 to 1838. Rev. 
J. C. Steele of the Monongahela Presbytery supplied the 
pulpit, 1846. He was followed by W. W. Patton, J. O. 
Lindsay, T. S. Lee and perhaps others. Rev. T. S. Lee 
was installed as pastor on Monday after the 3rd Sabbath 
of April, 1852. This relation continued until Oct. 13th, 
1870, when he, with a part of the congregation, changed 
his connection to the Southern Presbyterian church. Rev. 
W. R. Hemphill, D. D., gave occasional supplies for 
two years. Rev. D. B. Pressly began preaching here in 
the winter of 1871, and was installed as pastor in 1873. 
The church grew under his ministry, but by reason of 
failing health, he demitted the charge Nov. 18, 1886. 

The congregation was now vacant for six years, but 
supplied with preaching by the Board of Missions. 

Sept. 28th, 1892, Rev. W. H. Millen was installed pas- 
tor, which relation continued until June 15th, 1896, when 
it was dissolved at his request. It has been supplied since 
that time by the Board of Missions. The last supply 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



was Rev. J. L. Pressly, who preached there from July, 
1901, to Nov., 1902. 

The first house of worship was in Millersburg. The 
one now in use is about four miles from the old location, 
and is built of stone and brick. It was repaired several 
years ago. The congregation has always paid the pas- 
tor's salary and assessments to church purposes promptly 
and in full. It has suffered greatly by removals to the 
North and West. 

Among her descendants are Rev. Potter and Rev. Wm. 
Lane and mother, missionaries in China, and the Gambles 
and Shaws in India, and Miss Mary Frazier and Miss 
Elizabeth Stewart Frazier, who went as missionaries to 
Egypt. 

The congregation maintains a Sunday School and 
Young People's Society. 

The membership is small, but composed of intelligent 
and generous people. 

Hiddenite, Alexander Co., N. C. — At the earnest re- 
quest of John A. Miller, Rev. W. M. Hunter began, Oct., 
1878, preaching once a month at Salem, near present 
town of Hiddenite. By order of Presbytery, a church 
was organized, Dec, 1883. Junius Morrison and J. M. 
Matheson, elder. John A. Miller, a leading spirit, had 
died Nov. 28, 1882. When the depot was located a lot 
was bought at $25.00, another half acre in the rear being 
donated by the first supply, and a house was erected and 
first used Aug. 22, 1891. 

Rev. W. M. Hunter was supply, yS- f 8S. Rev. E. B. 
Anderson was S. S. for a while, and through his instru- 
mentality, in July, 1892, Dr. W. W. Orr held a meeting 
of great interest and largely attended, resulting in some 
27 conversions. It has been supplied at irregular inter- 
vals. Bro Love now supplies this mission without offi- 
cers. Much credit is due J. M. Matheson, of Taylors- 
ville, N. C, for long and self denying service. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Hopewell, Maury Co., Tenn. — Is located about seven 
miles south of Columbia. In the fall of 1820, by author- 
ity of 1st Presbytery, by Dr. Isaac Grier, the congre- 
gation was organized, with Samuel Scott, M. Baldridge, 
James Leech and Robt. Mathews as Ruling Elders, and 
a membership of about 35. It was first supplied by Rev. 
Samuel Brown, of the A. R. Synod of the West. The 
first pastor, Rev. R. M. Galloway, was installed in 1824, 
by Dr. Isaac Grier and Rev. Mr. Blackstocks. On the 
9th of October, 1840, Mr. Galloway died and the church 
was vacant for four years. "The next pastor was settled 
in 1844. He resigned in 1848." This was the pastorate 
of Rev. J. K. Boyce. The congregation was again va- 
cant for six years. Rev. J. H. Bryson was installed on 
the 29th of Dec, 1854. This relation was dissolved in 
April, 1866. Rev J. H. Peoples was the fourth pastor 
and was installed in the spring of 1867 and released in 
the fall of 1889, having served the congregation for 22 
years. Rev. W. B. Logan was installed April, 1893, but 
withdrew from this field in 1894. On Nov. 30, 1895, 
Rev. J. M. White, the sixth pastor, was installed pastor 
and continued until Sept. 23, 1899, when he was re- 
leased. Since then it has had occasional supplies, mainly 
by their former pastor, Rev. J. H. Peoples, from his 
home in Columbia. The first two pastors gave one-half 
time to this field, the second two, whole time, and the 
last two, one-half time. 

The present house of worship is the third building, 
though the dates of their erection are not known. 

Hopewell, Union (formerly Pontotoc) Co., Miss. — Is 
located six miles southeast of New Albany and two 
miles north of Wallersville, Miss., on the Frisco Railroad. 

The first settlers were from Shiloh church, in Ander- 
son Co., S. C, and the name of Caldwell predominated. 
The first preaching there was by Rev. H. H. Robison, 
licentiate laboring under the direction of Synod, at the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



house of William Caldwell, March 12, 185 1. A few 
weeks later he also preached near Tardyville, at a place 
called 'The Shelter." 

The Alabama Presbytery, complying with request of 
the people, sent Rev. David Pressly to organize the con- 
gregation, which was done May 24th, 185 1, in a school 
house (near Mr. James Stephenson's), near where the 
church now stands. John Caldwell, Obadiah Buchanan 
and Hugh Caldwell were elected Elders, the former hav- 
ing served in S. C. Rev. H. H. Robison supplied the 
congregation in 185 1. In 1852 probably, an arbor and 
stand were erected near a fine spring on the premises 
of William Reid, Sr., and supplied by Rev. J. L. Young. 

A church was built and first used in 1853. Mr. Wil- 
liam Huston, a friend of the congregation, though not a 
church member, gave a lot of three acres on which to 
build, the timber as it stood on his land, and sawed the 
same into lumber free of charge when delivered at his 
mill. 

Rev. J. L. Young was installed over Hopewell and 
Bethany, April 15, 1854. This relation continued until 
1856, when he demitted this branch of his charge in or- 
der to devote his whole time to Bethany. "This was a 
sore blow to Hopewell, and gave it quite a back set." 

Revs. H. H. Robison and J. L. McDaniel supplied it 
in 1857. Rev. S. A. Agnew began supplying it in 1858, 
and continued until he was installed July 23, 1870. This 
pastoral relation was demitted April 21, 1899. This long 
pastorate was fruitful of much good and the pastor en- 
joyed the warm confidence and esteem of the church. 

Rev. R. S. Harris supplied the congregation during 
1899, and was installed pastor May 14th, 1900, giving 
one-half time to the work. 

Hopezvell Church, Newton Co., Ga. — Was organized 
July 25th, 1830, by Rev. J. T. and E. E. Pressly. For 
several years they had worshipped God and had an oc- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



casional sermon. They held society meetings. This 
church was made up largely of people who had removed 
from Hopewell, S. C. For eight years after their or- 
ganization, they received supplies, and April 23rd, 1838, 
Rev. Thomas Turner was installed pastor. He held this 
office until 1855. Sept. 26th, 1856, Rev. Henry Quigg 
was ordained and installed pastor. This relation was 
dissolved Nov. 17th, 1866. Until 1869; the church was 
supplied by Rev. J. L. Hemphill and others. Rev. J. E. 
Martin began to preach for them in March, 1871, and 
was installed Sept. 7th, 1872. He was their pastor until 
Sept. 1st, 1890, when he resigned on account of ill health. 
Rev. H. R. McAulay preached for them for two years. 
Rev. R. L. Bell was installed pastor Dec. 8th, 1893 and 
resigned in March, 1900. The church was then vacant 
until Jan. nth, 1902, when Rev. L. I. Echols was in- 
stalled as pastor, which relation still exists. During the 
pastorate of Rev. R. L. Bell, the church of Fairview 
was organized and has become a part of the pastoral 
charge. Three ministers of the gospel have gone out 
from Hopewell, Rev. G. W. McClelland, Rev. J. T. 
McClelland, who entered the Southern Presbyterian 
Church, and Rev. Jack Cowan, of the Methodist Church. 
The first building was erected in 1830. Another later on, 
and this building was enlarged and improved while Rev. 
R. L. Bell was pastor. 

Hopezvell, S. C. — The statements which follow con- 
cerning the church are mostly gleaned from Lathan's 
"History of Hopewell and its Pastors." 

Hopewell is one of the oldest of the Associated Re- 
formed Churches of the South. Like most of the 
churches founded in the early history of the country, 
very little written history of this church has been pre- 
served, and the historian has to rely largely on tradition 
for his facts. 

The congregation was organized in the year 1787 or 



496 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



1788. The exact date is uncertain ; but Dr. Lathan thinks 
that it was organized in 1787 by Rev. Matthew Lind. 

In 1788, Rev. John Boyse was sent South by the A. R. 
Presbytery of Pa., and labored first as stated supply, and 
afterwards as pastor of Hopewell, Gilead, Coddle Creek 
and Prosperity, the last three in N. C. Mr. Boyse's pas- 
torate was a short one, he having died March 18th, 1793. 
In February or March, 1795, Hopewell, Union and New 
Hope congregations united in extending a call to Rev. 
John Hemphill, who had been sent to preach among 
these churches by the First Presbytery of Pennsylvania. 
The pastoral labors of Mr. Hemphill began in the fall of 

1795, but he was not installed until the 19th of Sept., 

1796. The pastorate of Mr. Hemphill continued until 
his death, which took place May 30th, 1830, thus Covering 
a period of nearly thirty-six years. From the death of Mr. 
Hemphill until Nov., 1832, the congregation was vacant. 
At this time Rev. Warren Flenniken was installed over 
Hopewell and Union. The pastorate of Mr. Flenniken 
extended over a period of seventeen years, ending in 1849, 
owing to the feeble health of Mr. Flenniken. 

On May 31st, 1850, Rev. R. W. Brice was ordained 
and installed as the fourth pastor of Hopewell. This pas- 
torate closed with the death of Mr. Brice, on the 14th of 
March, 1878. All the ministers spent their entire min- 
isterial lives as pastors of Hopewell, and their remains 
lie buried in the graveyard hard by the church they loved 
and served so faithfully. On May 23rd, 1879, Rev. John 
A. White was ordained and installed as the fifth pastor 
of Hopewell, and at this writing the relationship still ex- 
ists, and unless the current of Hopewell's history shall 
be changed, will continue until God shall dissolve it by 
the physical disability or death of the pastor. 

During the one hundred and fifteen years of Hope- 
well's existence, three church buildings have been erected. 
At first the congregation met for worship in the woods, 
but in 1789 the first house of worship was built. It was 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



a log house, and stood about one hundred yards north- 
west of the present house. This log church answered the 
purpose until the year 1800, when a brick building was 
erected. It was probably considered a handsome church 
in that day. It was forty by fifty feet in size, had a high 
pulpit with a sounding board over the preacher's head. 
This brick church stood until 1854, when it was replaced 
by the present large and commodious house of worship. 
The present building is fifty feet by seventy feet in size, 
and stands on the east side of the graveyard. It was 
none too large for the congregation when built, but a 
much smaller house would accommodate the congrega- 
tion at the present time. Hopewell is a fruitful mother of 
preachers. The following ministers were born and partly 
reared in Hopewell congregation : Joseph Lowry, D. D., 
James Lowry, David McGill, D. D., Robert Galloway, 
Jonathan Galloway, Wm. R. Hemphill, D. D., John Wil- 
son, David McCaw, James McDaniel, James H. Strong, 
James C. Boyd, Robert Lathan, D. D., Hugh Strong, 
Christopher Strong, R. Warren Boyd, Wm. S. Moffatt, 
J. Spencer Mills, H. M. Henry, D. D., John A. White, 
Robert Y. Mills, W. S Castles, John Mills Bigham. 

Huntersville, Mecklenburg Co., N. C. — For the benefit 
of those midway between Prosperity and Gilead, Dr. 
Ranson, not long after his installation, began preaching 
at Craighead stand, near David McCraven's, half a mile 
northwest of present site. First services were held Sat- 
urday afternoon, then on fifth Sabbaths, then on the af- 
ternoon of Gilead's day. This was continued till about 
1872, when the stand was removed to the present site. 
Several meetings were held. A church or an academy to 
be used for worship, was the question. The former was 
wisely decided upon. There was pledged, Aug., 1873, 
the day the books were opened, $500. R. B. Hunter do- 
nated the beautiful plot of land about five acres and $100. 
Other liberal members that day were Milton Osborne and 
32 



498 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 




HUNTERS V1LUE, N. C. 

Richard Beard. A building was erected at a cost of 
$1,700, in 1874, and a church of 40 members organized 
March 25th, 1875. R- B. and A. Jones Hunter and 
Dixon Ewart, of Prosperity, and Richard Beard and R. 
R. Steele, Sr., of Gilead constituted the session. S. W. 
Knox and I. D. Irvin of latter church were added. Dr. 
Ranson continued stated supply till Sept. 3, 1877. Rev. 
W. W. Orr's pastorate, beginning officially Oct. 18th, 
1878, was greatly blessed in increasing numbers and en- 
larged liberality. At least two precious seasons of grace 
were enjoyed, one under Dr. J. E. Pressly, 1883, and the 
other under Dr. R. G. Miller's preaching, Aug., 1893. 
R. M. Ranson, J. P. Knox, J. J. Ranson, J. C. Ranson 
and R. R. Steele, Jr., were ruling elders. 

Rev. Orr began teaching in 1879, an ^ organized the 
Huntersville High School. This academy did a good 
work for general education, but especially for the pulpit. 
Revs. J. P. Knox, W. C. Ewart, A. J. Ranson, E. A. 
Ranson and J. B. Cochrane were sons of this church. 
They were not only zealous in education but importunate 
in prayer, organizing the first Y. M. Home Missionary 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Society in the Presbytery, and maintained it for years, 
not only as a means of grace, but in liberally support- 
ing the Evangelistic movement, '88-'98. They were one 
of the rare congregations which increased their first 
pastor's salary, $400, $600, $800. Their pastor, Rev. 
Orr, was often absent from '89 to '96 in revival work, 
yet the efficient elders and active members had the pulpit 
supplied and sustained the interest and work with marked 
success. Rev. W. W. Orr, D. D., demitted Feb. 19, 1896. 
Rev. Jas Boyce's pastorate, Jan 29th, 1897, to April 4th, 
1899, though faithful and able, was discouraging by a 
tide of removal that had set in. Rev. J. W. Bigham was 
installed pastor Nov. 27, 1900, and still remains. About 
this time the congregation determined to build a new 
church. Though greatly weakened, they erected a beau- 
tiful brick building which, with the handsome furnishing, 
cost $3,460.71, and was dedicated free of debt, Jan. 24th, 
1903. It stands in the same oak grove, beautiful for sit- 
uation, an evidence of the faith of and a credit to its 
promoters. 

Present ruling elders : J. C. Beard, J. T. Beard, W. E. 
Alexander, W. W. Ranson, E. A. Love, J. T. Mayberry, 
J. C. Bell. Deacons : B. D. Brown, W A. Steele, J. L. 
Ramsey, J. M. Knox, W. J. Ranson, J. C. McAulay and 
J. J. McRaven. 

Iva, S. C. — This congregation is an offshoot of Gener- 
ostee. After the building of the Savannah Valley Rail- 
road, a town, sprang up at Iva Station. In the Spring 
of 1894, Rev. A. L. Patterson began preaching at this 
place. On the 8th of Nov., 1895, by the order of the 2nd 
Presbytery, a commission consisting of Revs. W. L. 
Pressly, D. D., and A. L. Patterson, and elder James 
Stevenson, organized a church at Iva. Messrs. J. C. 
McDonald and J. W. Stevenson were transferred from 
Generostee and elected elders. Mr. T. A. Watt was the 
first deacon. At a later date Messrs. W. P. Cook, S. W. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Watt, Robt. Stevenson and G. S. Burdett were added to 
the eldership. Mr. James McDonald and Mr. A. S. 
Townsend were added to the board of deacons. 

Rev. A. L. Patterson has been stated supply ever since 
the organization and at this date still continues in this 
capacity. 

Jacksonville, Ark. — The church at this place is the out- 
come of a mission opened by Rev. G. G. Parkinson, in 
July, 1896, in connection with his work in Little Rock. 
It was organized Sept. 18, 1896, by Rev. T. B. Stewart, 
S. M. of the Arkansas Presbytery with 18 members. J. 
N. Ross and J. M. McNair were ordained elders. This 
church was not organized among people who were reared 
or trained under Associate Reformed influence. A nice 
church was erected the following year, at a cost of about 
$900. Rev. G. G. Parkinson continued to supply them 
half time till Nov., 1900. At that time they reported 28 
members. Rev. A. H. Griffith supplied them half time un- 
til Jan, 1903. The membership has grown to 50. Rev. 
E. B. Anderson supplied them in 1903. 

J op pa, Lincoln Co., Ga. — Organized before 1790. 

King's Creek and Cannon s Creek, Newberry, S. C. — 
From the years 1763 to 1775 the elements of Cannon's 
Creek and King's Creek churches, from which grew 
Prosperity and Head Spring, came from County Antrim, 
Ireland, and settled in the fertile region between Enoree 
and the Dutch Fork, centering near the creeks, from 
which the) churches took their names. In the year 
1767, a portion of Rev. John Renwick's congregation 
came from Ireland and settled in Newberry County. 
In 1770, a larger portion came over and settled near 
the others, and in 1772 there came a third colony. 
The first preacher and pastor was the Rev. John 
Renwick, Sr. The Lord's Supper was first admin- 
istered to these Christians in Patrick Carmichael's 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



barn, near what is now known as Boyd's Crossing, be- 
tween Newberry and Prosperity. The churches of Can- 
non's Creek and King's Creek were founded at the same 
time, in 1772. Rev. John Renwick was the pastor. He 
died in 1775. There was little preaching then until the 
year 1790, when Rev. James Rogers came to this country 
from Ireland, and took up the work. Mr. Rogers became 
pastor of King's Creek and Cannon's Creek, 23rd Feb- 
ruary, 1 791, and served in that capacity for twenty-four 
or twenty-five years. Rev. Charles Strong was installed 
pastor of King's Creek, Cannon's Creek and Prosperity 
in 1816. He was pastor for eight years. 

In March, 1826, Rev. Samuel P. Pressly was installed 
over Head Spring, King's Creek, Cannon's Creek and 
Prosperity. This pastorate lasted until 1833, when he 
was chosen professor in Franklin College, Athens, Ga. 
In the year 1835, Rev. Jonathan Galloway was chosen 
pastor and installed in 1836, and faithfully he labored in 
this larger field for 20 years. He resigned on account of 
ill health. In the year 1848, this extensive field was di- 
vided. King's Creek and Cannon's Creek going together 
were supplied by Rev. J. O. Lindsay for a year, though 
Mr. Galloway continued to labor at Cannon's Creek, 
Prosperity and Head Spring until October, 1855. 

In 1853, King's Creek church was united with New- 
berry, and Rev. H. L. Murphy became pastor. On No- 
vember 1st, 1858, Rev. J. C. Boyd was installed pastor 
of Cannon's Creek, Prosperity and Head Spring, and con- 
tinued in this relation until 1884, when he demitted the 
Cannon's Creek church, but continued to serve the other 
two churches until 1890. In September, 1884, Rev. W. 
W. McMorries became pastor of King's Creek and Can- 
non's Creek, the former church separating from New- 
berry, and continued in this relation until 1895. Can- 
non's Creek then became a separate charge, adhering 
to Mr. McMorries, and King's Creek, in 1898, 
called Rev. J. B. Hood. Brother Hood continued 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



here until 1902, preaching also at Head Spring. In 
1902, Rev. C. M. Boyd was chosen pastor of King's 
Creek, and installed in May, 1903. This old church 
has now taken on new life. The membership has 
recently increased 20 per cent, and the attendance is 
good. With the new church of Unity and with Prosper- 
ity and King's Creek, Bro. Boyd has a large and growing 
field. 

Lamar. — In Lamar Co., Texas, was organized in 1880. 
Thomas and W. B. Ware, formerly of Starkville, Miss., 
were elected elders. They never built a house, and the 
organization was disbanded in 1886. 

Lancaster, S. C. — The church at Lancaster, S. C, was 
organized by a commission of the First Presbytery in the 
year 1884. The commission consisted of Rev. Mason W. 
Pressly and elders W. Q. Caskey and N. T. Drafnn. A 
neat brick building was begun in 1885, anc ^ completed in 
1886. The first pastor of the church was Rev. R. Y. 
Mills, who was installed in Nov., 1888. Mr. Mills had 
charge of Lancaster in connection with Gill's Creek, 
preaching half the time at each place. The death of Mr. 
Mills in March 4th, 1889 left the congregation vacant. 
The next pastor was Rev. H. B. Blakely, who was in- 
stalled in 1890, and continued pastor until the fall of 1894, 
when he was called to take charge of the mission in At- 
lanta, Ga. 

The third pastor was Rev. W. C. Ewart, who was in- 
stalled in the fall of 1896, and who still continues pastor 
of Lancaster and Shiloh. 

Laurens, C. H. — When this church was organized we 
do not know, but it must have been about 1830. Dr. Sam- 
uel Todd erected the building. Rev. J. S. Young was the 
first pastor. He was installed over the united charge of 
Bethel, Laurens, Providence and Head Springs in 1836. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



In 185 1 Rev. J S. Young was succeeded by Rev. D. F. 
Haddon, who had ben assistant pastor for several years. 
The church declined in Laurens and after the War the 
building was sold and the work discontinued. 

Laurel Springs, Ashe Co., N. C. — A colony, mostly of 
Mecklenburg Co., N. C, in hope of renewed health re- 
moved about 1855 to Ashe, now Allegheny Co. Capt. 
Matthew Peoples, Henry F. Hunter and Mark Wilson 
and others constituted the party. Rev. John Hunter be- 
cause of failing health, sought this mountain retreat, 
preached to and organized in 1855 a little church. He 
continued to supply this point till 1858, and although it 
seemed a failure by the return of the entire colony yet 
Mr. Hunter said it gave him a new lease of life. 

Lebanon, Wilson Co., Ala., appears on the roll of the 
Alabama Presbytery in 1843. It is probably the original 
name of the Oak Hill, or Bethel, church. Rev. W. J. 
Lowry was ordained and installed over it in 1861. Noth- 
ing more is known of it. 

Lebanon, at Maysfield in Milam County, Texas, was 
organized by Revs. T. J. Bonner and W. L. Patter- 
son July 7, '77, with eleven members. W. M. Wood- 
son, M. D., and J. B. McLane were ordained 
qlders. Rev. J. M. Little became their stated sup- 
ply. The location proved to be unhealthy. Mr. 
Little lost several members of his family, and moved 
away. Others moved away also and the church was dis- 
banded in about ten years. 

Little River, commonly called Sterling's Meeting 
House, was an Associate Church in Fairfield Co., S. C, 
about twelve miles north of Winnsboro. It originated 
from an effort to displace the Psalms in Concord Pres- 
byterian Church. Tradition says that on one occasion 



504 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



when the sacrament was being observed, the minister 
said that all who favored Psalms would take their seats 
at one table, while all who favored hymns would take 
their seats at another table. Whereupon John Sterling 
one of the elders, rose up and said, "I had thought that 
this was the house of the Lord, but you have made it a 
house of confusion;" and taking his hat he walked out 
of the church, and many others followed him. The re- 
sult was the organization of Little River, or Sterling's 
Meeting House. It is proper to state, however, that the 
hymns were not introduced into Concord Church until 
about twenty years ago. Little River appears on the 
roll of the Associate Presbytery as early as 1819. 

The church building was erected in 1824, and Rev. 
James Lyle was pastor of Little River, Smyrna and 
Winnsboro from May 4th, 1825 until 1834, when he 
demitted his charge. It was supplied by the Associate 
Presbytery after this. Rev. Archibald Whyte preached 
there as late as 1840, at which time there were eight fa- 
milies and sixteen members. Rev. Thos.Ketchin preached 
there also after this time. It is probable that soon after 
this time it ceased to exist. The old graveyard is the 
only thing now that marks the place of this church. 

Little River and Rocky Springs, Laurens Co., S. C, 
were small scattered congregations that never became a 
regular charge. They subsisted on the meager allowance 
of supplies sent them by Presbytery from time to time. 

In 1803, in response to a petition for supply, Rev. 
Irwin was sent for the last Sabbath in March. In the 
fall of the same year Rocky Springs asked for one-third 
of Mr. Irwin's time, while Little River petitioned 
for one-fourth of his time for one year. These 
petitions were not granted, but Rev. Porter was 
sent as supply. For many years after this all that is 
known of the history of these organizations is in the 
record of the petitions sent up to nearly every meeting 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 505 



of Presbytery for supplies. Revs. Porter, Grier, M'Gill, 
Irwin, and Renwick labored among these congregations 
at different times as supplies. After a struggling exis- 
tence of many years their names were dropped from the 
roll of Presbytery. 

Little River and Rocky Springs, Abbeville Co., S. C. 
were among the very early organizations of the Presby- 
tery of the Carolinas and Georgia. In 1801 the united con- 
gregations petitioned of Presbytery a Probationer as con- 
stant supply. At the fall meeting of Presbytery a call 
was made out to Rev. M'Gill. The call was sustained as 
regular by Presbytery and accepted by Mr. M'Gill at 
the next meeting of Presbytery. In 1802 his trial for 
ordination having been sustained, he was ordained at 
Little River on the second Thursday in May. The pas- 
torate, however, seems to have been but of short dura- 
tion, for a year or so later begins a petition for supplies 
from these two congregations. At different times Revs. 
Irwin, Grier and Porter were sent by Presbytery in an- 
swer to the petitions for supplies. These churches are 
not now in existence. Like many other small, scattered 
congregations in the early history of the Presbytery, 
the members doubtless scattered and became the nuclei 
of churches of a later period. 

Little Rock. — In the summer of 1893, under the direc- 
tion of the Board of Home Missions, Rev. J. A. Smith 
opened the work in Little Rock. Mr. John F. Oates and 
family were perhaps the only Associate Reformed Pres- 
byterians in the city. Mr. Smith held services two Sab- 
baths a month under a shed in the western part of the city 
and in a hall in the east end. He gave two Sabbaths a 
month to Russellville. This arrangement continued dur- 
ing the summer. The organization was affected by Rev. 
J. L. Young, S. M., of the Arkansas Presbytery at the 
residence of J. M. Burnett in West Little Rock, Nov., 



5 o6 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



1893. Fifteen names were enrolled. J. F. Oates and J. 
M. Burnett were ordained elders. Two deacons were 
also ordained. Revs. J. M. White and O. Y. Bonner 
each supplied a few months during the next year and a 
half. Rev. G. G. Parkinson began work in Little Rock 
in July, 1895. He found 15 members in the mission. For 
one year he gave his entire time to it. After opening 
work at Jacksonville he gave Little Rock half time. He 
labored in this field faithfully until Synod called him to 
a chair in the Seminary in Nov., 1900. The mission grew 
notwithstanding frequent removals, and at that time they 
had 40 members. During this time C. C. Bell was 
added to the session. Rev. A. H. Griffith began work in 
the mission Dec, 1900. He was installed pastor for all 
his time Dec. 3, 1902. The membership had doubled. 
J. W. Miller, M. D., and J. Kerr Oates were added to 
the session. The mission church was built and furnished 
early in 1895 at a cost of about $1,000. It is located 
in West Little Rock. The money was raised mainly by 
voluntary contributions from persons and churches in 
answer to appeals in the church papers. It was dedicated 
by Rev. O. Y. Bonner in May, 1895. They have a S. S. 
and L. B. Society. 

Lodimont, now known as Mt. Carmel A. R. P. Church, 
was organized in the spring of 1875 under the inspection 
of the Second Presbytery. For a short time it was sup- 
plied by Dr. W. M. Grier and by Dr. J. C. Galloway. 
The year following the organization of the church Rev. 
A. L. Patterson was called to the pastorate. He accepted 
the call and was installed in the fall of 1876. He has 
served the church continuously from the date of his in- 
stallation until the present, 1903. 

During Mr. Patterson's pastorate this church has had 
preaching on two Sabbaths of each month. 

There have been two church buildings erected, one at 
Lodimont and one in the village of Mt. Carmel, to which 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 507 



place the organization was moved in 1885. The church 
has the confidence of the community and is in a healthy 
condition. 




LONG CANE, S. C. 



Long Cane, Abbeville Co., S. C, is the historic church 
of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South. About 
the year 1779 or 1780 Rev. Thomas Clark of the Presby- 
tery of Pennsylvania paid a visit to those of his old charge 
who had settled on the "Long Canes" in the Carolinas, 
and organized the congregation of Long Cane, so-called 
from the Creek on the west bank of which the house of 
worship was built. On March 7, 1786, the congregations 
of Cedar Springs and Long Cane united and subscribed 
a call for Mr. Clark, and on May 15, same year, the call 
was sustained by Synod. In 1791, when the Associate 
Reformed Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia met 
at Long Cane, a petition was presented praying that 
Rev. Thomas Clark be installed pastor of Long Cane, 
but it is not known whether the installation ever took 
place, probably not, as he died at the close of the follow- 
ing year. 

For four years after his death the church was without 
a pastor. Rev. Peter McMullen was appointed to supply 



508 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



as much as possible during the first year of vacancy. On 
April 10, 1797, a call was moderated for Rev. Alex. Por- 
ter. He was ordained and installed under the inspection 
of the Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia, April 
2, 1798. 

On account of "his weak state of health, and the un- 
common largeness of his charge, making it impossible for 
him to do his duty, Mr. Porter asked to be released in 
the fall of 1803. His request was granted. In Jan., 1804, 
he accepted a call to Cedar Springs. Long Cane remained 
vacant for more than twenty (20) years, although re- 
peated efforts were made to secure a pastor. 

On Feb. 28, 1828, the two congregations, long sepa- 
rated, again united under one pastor, Rev. John T. Press- 
ly, and for a number of years constituted one pastoral 
charge. Dr. Pressly was elected to a Professorship in the 
Associate Reformed Theological Seminary of the West 
at Allegheny, Pa., and on Nov. 10, 1831, gave up this 
"charge very dear" to him. 

The church then remained vacant until 1837, when 
Rev. W. R. Hemphill accepted a call, and was ordained 
and installed. His pastorate, productive of much good, 
continued for eleven years, until, the congregation seem- 
ing to droop, the pastor became more or less discouraged, 
and in 1848 went to fill a Professorship in Erskine Col- 
lege. In September, 1850, a call was presented to Rev. 
H. T. Sloan and by him accepted. He was ordained and 
installed at Long Cane Nov. 1, 1850. 

The original house of worship at Long Cane was built 
of rude logs. Another house was erected during the 
ministry of Dr. Clark. In 1856 the present church 
building was erected. It is of wood, 44x64 feet, with a 
10 foot porch and gallery around three sides. 

The following ministers were born in Long Cane and 
Cedar Springs, which was one pastorate : Dr. John T. 
Pressly, and his son, Dr. Joseph Pressly of Erie, Penn., 
Dr. E. E. Pressly, Dr. James P. Pressly, Dr. David 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Pressly, Dr. J. E. Pressly, Rev. Joseph M'Creary, 
Rev. Wm. Patton, Rev. E. L. Patton, L. L. D., 
Rev. W. W. Patton, Rev. Samuel Morris, Rev. John 
Hemphill, Rev. James Weed, Rev. S. P. Robin- 
son, Rev. J. C. McDonald, Rev. R. F. Bradley, 
Rev. E. B. Kennedy, Rev. I. N. Kennedy. David 
M'Creary commenced to study theology, but was com- 
pelled to desist on account of ill health. Wm. Morrow 
and Augustus Ansley were theological students, but when 
the Civil War came on they entered the service and did 
not return to the Seminary after the War. 

Long Cane has also produced a number of laymen emi- 
nent in various walks of life, legislators, journalists, and 
statesmen. The First Associate Reformed Presbytery of 
the South was organized at Long Cane Feb. 24, 1790, 
as the Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia, and the 
Second Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia was or- 
ganized at Cedar Springs April 8, 1801, when Cedar 
Springs and Long Cane were one charge. 

The descendants of the members of the congregations 
of Long Cane and Cedar Springs are to be found to-day 
in the churches of the North, West, Middle West, South 
West, and South as far as Florida. 

Louisville, Ky. — Work was begun in this city by Rev. 
G. Gordon, Sept. 10th, 1852, under the direction of the A. 
R. Presbytery of Kentucky. The next year he was au- 
thorized to solicit funds and erect a chapel to cost one 
thousand dollars. The lot purchased was on the corner 
of 8th and Magazine Sts. The deed was made to Shan- 
non Reid as Trustee for the Presbytery and was dated 
July 13th, 1853. This lot was sold in 1858 and another 
purchased on corner of 7th and Chestnut Sts., where the 
present church now stands, and deed made to new Trus- 
tees. A chapel was erected on this lot in 1858. A memo- 
rial was presented from Mt. Olivet church which had 
contributed a large part of the funds for this work, al- 




LOUISVILLE, KY. 



leging the rights of Presbytery were not sufficiently 
guarded in title to the new property. This matter was 
before the Presbytery for three years. It was finally set- 
tled by having an Act of Corporation by the State Legis- 
lature to protect the title to the A. R. P. Church. 

The church was organized Jan. 6th, 1854. Rev. G. 
Gordon, who had charge of the work from its beginning, 
was installed pastor Dec. 16th, 1859. This relation con- 
tinued until 1 87 1. Oct. 13th, 1870 the congregation and 
pastor connected themselves with the Southern Presbyte- 
rian Church, the membership being at that time 75 or 
80. A portion of the First Presbyterian Church, by a 
reason of a division in that Church, now united with the 
7th and Chestnut Street church. The distinctive princi- 
ples of the church seem now to have been lost. Rev. W. 
J. Lowry became pastor of the church in 1875. A few of 
the members being dissatisfied with the change, asked for 
certificates, and began to take measures to re-establish the 
A. R. P. Church. They were Mrs. Ann A. Walker, Jas. 
D. and Mrs. Maclay, Alex. Young, Mrs. Mary Neill, 
Mrs. Mary Henry and John S. Henry, seven in all. 

The A. R. Presbytery of Kentucky had instituted a 
suit in 1872 to recover the church property, but had 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



failed. Dr. J. T. Bonner visited them and becoming inter- 
ested in the work, urged the Synod to attempt to re-estab- 
lish the church. Rev. J. C. Galloway was sent to preach 
to them for two months, May and June, in 1876. The 
first services were held in the Methodist church on 12th 
St., and it was here that the first communion service was 
held in July, 1876. Revs. J. T. Bonner and D. B. Pressly 
officiating. 

Oct. 1 8th, 1876, the reorganization took place by order 
of the Kentucky Presbytery with fifteen members, by 
Commision of Presbytery, consisting of Rev. J. G. Miller 
and elders O. T. Wallace and A. R. Guyn, the services 
being held in the Third Presbyterian Church, corner of 
1 6th and Chestnut Sts. 

Rev. F. Y. Pressly took charge of the work as Synod's 
Missionary, Nov. 1st, 1876, and continued until Sept., 
1880. He effected a compromise with the Presbyterians 
by which tne congregation regained possession of their 
old church, corner of 7th and Chestnut Sts., on condi- 
tion that they were to have the refusal of the property 
at $3,500.00 if it was ever offered for sale, or the Synod 
abandoned its work at that place. 

Rev. J. M. Todd was appointed by Synod to this 
church for the next year, 1881. His work was very ac- 
ceptable, but his health failed the following spring, and 
the church was left without supply until the next meeting 
of Synod. Rev. C. S. Young was appointed for the 
next year, 1882, being at that time pastor of a church in 
the Tenn. Pres. He returned at the end of the year to 
his pastoral charge in Tennessee. 

Rev. James Boyce was appointed for 1883. May 23, 
1884, a call was presented to him to become pastor. He 
accepted the call and continued the work until Oct. 16th, 
1896, when the pastoral relation was dissolved. 

He began canvassing the churches for money to build 
a new church and had almost completed this work when 
he resigned. In 1895 Synod appointed a committee con- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



sisting of Drs. W. M. Grier and G. R. White to confer 
with the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church and 
secure, if possible, a release of their claim on the church 
property. During the year 1896 they visited Louisville 
and were met in a very friendly and liberal, Christian 
spirit by the representatives of that church, who gene- 
rously gave up all claims on the property and gave the 
Trustees of the Synod a clear title to the property. The 
A. R. Presbyterian congregation now proceeded to erect 
a new and handsome, modern church building. The 
church was dedicated Jan. 1st, 1899, Dr. Grier preaching 
the sermon from Is. 43, 10. The cost was $10,200.00, 
which with the lot is worth $15,000.00, and is entirely 
free from debt. 

The church was vacant for two years, receiving sup- 
plies from Synod's Board of Missions. Rev. S. W. Reid 
received a call to become pastor, which he accepted, and 
was installed Dec. 31st, 1898. He still continues his work 
under the divine blessing. 

The session is composed of elders R. A. Gordon, J. S. 
Walker, John S. Henry and Thomas Huxley. 

Louisville, Ga. — This church was organized perhaps 
in the latter part of 1874 or beginning of 1875 by Dr. D. 
G. Phillips. For many years at intervals Dr. Phillips 
preached to them. The first systematic work was done by 
Rev. A. L. Patterson during the years of 1874 and '75. 
He was followed by Rev. J. C. Galloway, who came to 
Bethel and Louisville churches in Dec, 1875, and contin- 
ued in this field for eight years. R. J. Boyd and J. J. Keith 
were the first elders, there being no deacons until about 
1878 or '79, when Mr. J. C. Little became deacon by 
removal from Ebenezer. There were 18 members at the 
time of organization. These members came largely from 
Ebenezer and Bethel. 

Rev. J. C. Galloway was the first pastor, being installed 
on Saturday before the second Sabbath of May, 1877, in 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 513 

the old Methodist church, which at that time was used in 
common by both the Methodists and A. R. congregations, 
inasmuch the A. R. congregation had no house of worship. 
Through the energetic efforts of Mr. J, C. Little, W. L. 
Phillips and others a handsome church edifice was erected 
in 1880, and dedicated on Saturday before the Second 
Sabbath of Nov., the sermon being preached by Rev. W. 
M. Grier. 

In 1884 Synod assigned Rev. J. C. Galloway to the 
Charlotte Mission and he demitted the charge in April, 
1885. When the work was taken up by Rev. J. S. Mills, 
who was installed in 1885, and still continues in this field. 
The elders at this time are J. C. Little, Wm. Little, W. 
L. Phillips, J. W. White and J. F. Brown. 

The deacons are W. A. Stone, Wm. Whigam and J. 
F. Hudson. 

Lovelady is a railroad station in Houston Co., Texas, 
where some families from Ebenezer, Miss., — Snells, Em- 
ersons and others — located about the year 1878. Rev. R. 
E. Patterson ministered to them and a church was organ- 
ized in 1879. In a year or two they had erected a comfor- 
table house of worship. Mr. Patterson supplied them 
and became their pastor in 1884. The prospects seemed 
encouraging, but discord arose, and he gave up the charge 
in 1886. A number of the members moved to other places 
and the Presbytery, on account of scarcity of laborers, 
was unable to supply the pulpit. The church was dis- 
organized and the house sold in 1892. 

Madoles Old Field, Laurens County, S. C, was organ- 
ized soon after the organization of the Presbytery of the 
Carolinas and Georgia. Of its history little is known. 

Presbytery met there Feb. 29, 1828. In the preceding 
year a call was made for Rev. Bryson. This call was 
sustained by the fall meeting of Presbytery. At the fol- 
lowing meeting Mr. Bryson declined the call. 
33 



5 i4 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

From time to time the following were sent as supplies : 
Revs. S. P. Pressly, John Renwick, Bryson and John T. 
Pressly. 

Marlow, Texas. — Marlow is about four miles south of 
Cameron in Milam Co., Tex. The church at this place is 
the result of the union of Prairie View and Milano. The 
union took place in 1896. They built a nice frame church 
at Marlow, which they occupied in 1900. Rev. Calvin 
Pressly, their supply in 1896, and pastor in the spring of 
1897, labored to effect this union and establish a church 
at a central point. He demitted the charge Dec. 1, 1902. 
At that time Marlow reported 60 members. 

McMahons Creek, Belmont Co., Ohio, was organized 
as an Associate Church in 1827. Being in sympathy 
with the South they entreated Rev. W. M. McElwee to 
visit and preach for them early after the war between the 
States. A call was extended him but declined. Rev. W. 
S. Moffatt began stated labors in June, 1868, and was 
installed pastor in the spring of 1869 by the Ohio Pres- 
bytery, having become a connection with the A. R. Synod 
Sept. 19, 1867. Pastor and congregation joined the 
United Presbyterian Church May 30, 1881. 

Mho on Valley, Clay Co., Miss., was organized Dec. 7, 
1889, by Rev. F. Y. Pressly. A. W, Miller and J. T. 
Boyd were elected elders and Joseph Cooper, deacon. 
The members had formerly belonged at Starkville, and 
they were supplied with preaching monthly from Stark- 
ville. On the 2nd of May, 189 1, the parent church peti- 
tioned the Memphis Presbytery to be allowed to with- 
draw with a view to connecting with the United Presby- 
terian Church. This was granted and Mhoon Valley, 
being virtually included, was allowed to withdraw and 
has since been United Presbyterian. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 515 

Miscanopy, Alachua Co., Fla. — Rev. A. S. Sloan, by 
Synod's order, labored nine days in winter '53-'54, and 
also Rev. E. E. Boyce three days, the former received 
$63.00, the latter $18.50. A church was organized 1854 
asking "for a man's time and promising to sustain him." 
Five hundred is promised and Rev. J. G, Miller supplies 
Oct., '55, Oct., '57. At this stage it seems for some 
cause the work ceased and the havoc of war swept away 
a once promising mission. 

Milano, Tex. — Milano is a railroad junction in Milan 
Co. The Cedar Creek and Pine Oak people united in an 
effort to build a house and concentrate their strength here 
as a central point in 1893. I. N. Burnett and W. J. Boyd 
were added to the session. But the building was never 
completed. It was sold in 1899. The members united 
with those of Prairie View in establishing the church at 
Marlow in 1896. 

Monticello, Ark. — In 1853 and '4 orae A. R. P. families 
moved from Tipton Co., Tenn., to Drew Co., Ark, set- 
tling near Monticello, the county seat. Rev. J. K. Boyce 
visited them during the summer of 1854. During the 
following winter Rev. John Wilson spent several weeks 
with them and organized the church in Feb., 1855. W. 
N. Fee, Thomas Lyle and R. B. Harper, M. D., were 
elected elders. A house of worship was soon erected, 
but not finished until 1869. They were visited by several 
ministers during the next three years, but none of them 
remained longer than a few months. In Nov., 1858, 
Rev. J. M. Brown came and was installed pastor in June 
of the next year— Mt. Zion taking part of his time. In 
i860 he gave up the Monticello church and Rev. J. A. 
Dickson became stated supply. He was installed pastor 
in 1861. The church then had about 60 members. Mr. 
Dickson continued pastor until 1866, when with about 
half of the congregation he went into the Presbyterian 



5 it) SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

Church. Three elders, viz., Samuel Allen, R. B. Harper, 
M. D., and A. J. McQuiston, with about 30 members, 
continued the organization. Rev. John Wilson took up 
the work in the spring of 1867 as supply, giving half 
time until 1880. Rev. J. L. Young began work here in 
March, 1880, dividing his time equally between Monti- 
cello and Saline. He was installed pastor April 23, 1881. 
The church had 31 members; its elders were A. J. Mc- 
Quiston, Hugh Wilson, W. H. McQuiston, D. P. Craig 
and J. B. Wilson. The congregation has suffered heavy 
losses in members. It sent out colonies in the organiza- 
tion of Mt. Zion in 1858. Saline in 1861, Ebenezer in 
1869. The division of 1866 carried away about half the 
members and made the work more difficult afterward. It 
has lost heavily also by removals. But it is well organized 
and has continued to grow. It had about 80 members 
in 1903. A beautiful church was erected in 1889 costing 
about $1500. A parsonage was built on the church lot 
in 1895 costing $1100. Rev. W. A. Wilson was a mem- 
ber of this church when he was licensed to preach. A. J. 
McQuiston, who was an elder from 1859 till his death 
in 1900, was an important factor in the life and growth 
of the church. 

A graduate of Erskine College and identified with the 
educational work of his community and county, either 
as teacher or as examiner of teachers, he was eminently 
qualified for the life of usefulness he lived. He was a 
recognized leader in the church, and often took a prom- 
inent part in the work of the Presbytery. They have 
a flourishing S. S., a L. B. S., a Y. P. C. U. and a Junior 
Union. 

Mooresville, Iredell Co., N. C. — Early in Sept., 1885, 
some 18 persons asked to be organized in Mooresville. 
Presbytery granted the request and very soon afterward 
the congregation began official existence, and used the 
Methodist High School building. Dr. Pressly and others 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



517 



gave them supplies until Rev. T. B. Stewart was or- 
dained and installed Nov. 19, 1887, and continued pas- 
tor till 1889, when the congregation was disorganized 
by removals. Rev. W. Y. Love began in March, 1896, 
monthly services, the Methodist church being generously 
tendered. Thirty-one names were sent to Presbytery 
September, and 28 members went into the organization 
Nov. 12, 1896. R. J. Willis and W. C. Patterson elders, 
and Walter Willis deacon. 

Rev. W. Y. Love, with characteristic promptness, set 
to work, raised $1,893.00, a comfortable and convenient 
church was completed and used first, Jan. 2nd, 1898, and 
dedicated Saturday night, March 19th following. 

On the 15th of May, 1898, Y. B. Smith and S. J. 
Brawley were ordained ruling elders, and S. J. Pressly, 
Robert M. Knox and Dr. James Young deacons. The 
congregation worshipped before organization in the 
Methodist church, and then in the Academy until the 
present handsome building was erected at a cost of 
$2,000.00. Rev. E. F. Griffith labored as stated supply 
for about two years, beginning in Dec, 1898. Rev. R. C. 
Davidson is the present pastor, having been installed 
May 23, 1901. 

Mt. Bethel, Abbeville Co., S. C, organized 1847, 
There were seven members in 1853. It passed soon af- 
terward from the roll. 

Mt Carmel, Marshall Co., Miss, is about eight miles 
south of Collierville, Tenn., on the Southern RR, and the 
same distance north of Victoria on the Frisco System. 
The first settlement was made in 1839 by emigrants from 
different parts of the country. It is thought they had 
a little preaching during the next two years by different 
ministers. An organization was effected August 2, 1842, 
by Rev. John Wilson of twenty-two (22) members. 
John Brown and Abner Carroll were elected elders. 



518 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



During the years 1843-44-45 the congregation was vis- 
ited by a number of ministers from the Tennessee and 
the Second Presbyteries, and several families were re- 
ceived from Lincoln Co., Tenn., and from Alabama. 

Rev. James A. Sloan, probationer of the First Pres- 
bytery, visited them in the summer of 1845, an d by re- 
quest was sent back in the fall, and was ordained and 
installed pastor during a meeting 01 the Alabama Pres- 
bytery at this place, April 18, 1846. 

A new church was occupied first in May, 1848. 1852 
was a year of dissension among the members and the 
church was seriously injured thereby. Rev. Sloan con- 
tinued as pastor until August, 1866, though it seems 
that for five years previous to that time he did not attend 
the meetings of Presbytery, and for four years he 
preached but little, and that for a number of years he 
engaged in no pastoral work. 

The church was supplied until Rev. R. L. Grier went 
there. He supplied the pulpit during 1870, was installed 
pastor latter part of 187 1, and demitted the charge in 
1879. Rev. W. Y. Love served as supply during 1881 
and 1882. 

The third church building, that which is now standing, 
was opened for service September, 1881. This building 
was remarkably preserved during a cyclone in the spring 
of 1899 which passed over it. Many of the large forest 
trees in the grove in which the church is situated were 
torn off or uprooted, but not so much as a glass was 
broken or shingle removed from the church building ! 

Rev. J. W. Baird ministered to this congregation in 
1891-92, and Rev. R. S. Harris has been serving them 
for several years and is still in charge of the work there. 

Mount Nebo, Tenn., organized by Rev. Thomas 
Turner, 1852, with six families and 13 members, paid 
that year to Missions $35, received occasional supplies 
from Revs. L. Turner, R. F. Taylor and others of the 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 519 

Georgia Presbytery, but passed from the roll during the 
wreck of reconstruction. 

Mt. Olivet, Bath Co., Ky., was probably organized by 
the Second A. R. Presbytery of Pennsylvania about 1796 
or 7. Its first pastor was Rev. John Steele, who was in- 
stalled about 1799. Mt. Olivet was at that time a branch 
of Shiloh congregation and was so regarded by Presby- 
tery in 1803. The pastoral relation was dissolved Sept. 
9th, 1803. 

A call was made out for Rev. Robt. H. Bishop and 
declined by him March 27, 1804. It was supplied by 
Revs. David Risk, W. H. Rainey, Adam Rankin and 
Abraham Craig until Dec. 17th, 1824, when Rev. Hugh 
Mayne began preaching there. He was installed as pas- 
tor over Shiloh and Mt. Olivet and Flemingsburg, May 
17th, 1826. The pastoral relation was dissolved in 1838. 
In 1 84 1, Rev. Gilbert Gordon began preaching there. 
Dec. 16, 1842, the church formally connected with the 
Synod of the South, renouncing all connection with the 
Synod of the West. He was installed as pastor in the 
fall of 1843. The pastoral relation was dissolved Sept. 
10th, 1852. 

The Synod met here in 1853. It was now supplied by 
the Synod by J. H. Bryson, S. C. Boyce, J. G. Miller, 
W. J. and J. A. Lowry, A. S. Montgomery, J. A. Myers 
and probably others. 

The church was greatly weakened by prominent mem- 
bers leaving at the time of the Gordon defection in 1870. 
In 1871 Rev. D. B. Pressly began preaching here, and 
was installed as pastor of Olivet and Hinkston May 12th, 
1873. This relation was dissolved on account of Mr. 
Pressly 's failing health, Nov. 18th, 1886. Since that time 
it has had no pastor. For some years it was associated 
with New Hope, but in 1901 was associated with Hinks- 
ton, and was supplied for one and a half years by Rev. 
J. L. Pressly up to November, 1902. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Among the first elders were John Cunningham, Sr., 
and James Berry, Sr., and afterwards Wm. Marshall, Sr. 
At present J. B. Spratt is the only elder. 

The church has been much weakened by removals to 
other States and to other counties in this State. From 
1830 to 1855 this was much the strongest A. R. P. 
Church in Kentucky, but now it is very much reduced, 
being the smallest numerically in the Presbytery. 

The first church building was a log house, about three- 
fourths of a mile south of the present building, and was 
built about 1800. 

The present building is a large well-built and neatly 
furnished brick building erected in 1829. It was re- 
paired in 187 1, and again in 1902. It is about two miles 
southeast of Sharpsburg Post Office on the Sharpsburg 
& Owensville turnpike, and is in a good state of pres- 
ervation. 

The Berry family and others contributed liberally to 
the erection of a church in Louisville, Ky., in 1854 or 5. 

Mt. Paran, Tipton Co., Tenn., was located about four 
miles west of Brighton, and probably more than seven 
miles northwest of Salem. It was organized by Rev. J. 
H. Strong Nov. 26, 1881, with 23 members, the most 
of whom perhaps were formerly members of Salem A. 
R. P. Church. J. M. McClerkin, John Craig and Tur- 
ner H. Sweat were chosen elders, and J. C. Moore and 
R. C. McClerkin deacons. It was generally supplied by 
the Rev. J. G. Miller until it united with Bloomington 
in forming the Brighton congregation, April 25, 1896. 

Mt. Vernon, Shelby Co., Tenn., is supposed to have 
been a preaching place, but its location is now unknown. 

Mt. Zion, Ark. — This church was an offshoot from the 
church in Monticello, being about 13 miles north of it. 
It was organized during the summer of 1858 by Rev. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 521 



John Wilson, and at first called Providence. Immigra- 
gants came in, mainly from Tipton Co., Tenn., and 
Chester Co., S. C, and the number of members in- 
creased rapidly. Rev. W. S. Moffatt supplied them a few 
months and an effort was made to secure his settlement 
as pastor. Rev. J. M. Brown began work here early in 
1859, and was installed pastor in June of that year. He 
went into the Confederate Army in 1862 in company 
with quite a number of his members. Many of these 
never returned. During the pastor's absence the church 
was supplied, at least part of the time, by Revs. D. Kerr 
and A. Mayne. 

In 1867 Mr. Brown and almost the entire congregation 
connected with the Presbyterian Church in the United 
States. 

Mt. Zion, Mo. — This was the first A. R. Presbyterian 
Church organized west of the Mississippi River. It was 
organized by Rev. Alexander Bowers of the Synod of 
the West August 1st, 1834. 

The nucleus from which it had its beginning was 
formed by " Peter Galloway, a ruling elder in the Asso- 
ciate congregation of York District, S. C, in 1818, and 
Samuel Gladney and David Wilson, a ruling elder of 
the Associate Reformed congregation of Little River 
(Ebenezer,) Fairfield Dist, S. C, in 1820. James Finley, 
James Alexander and Alexander Reid, elders of the A. 
R. Pres. Church in Shelby Co., Ky., afterwards joined 
them." The first preaching they had was from the As- 
sociate Presbyterians, viz., Revs. Adams, Carson, Ken- 
dell, Eagles, McLane, McCarroll and probably others. 

The elders in 1834, at its organization, were Alexander 
Reid, Sr., James Alexander, Sr., and James Finley. 
, There were seven members received by certificate, and 
four by profession, making 11 at the organization. 

The first church building was near Auburn, and that 
fact gave it that name, until 1843, when the name was 
changed to Mt. Zion. 



1 



522 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



For six years they had no regular preacher, but only 
such temporary supplies of preaching as Synod sent them. 
Among these were Revs. David Blair, John McLane, 
Hugh Pooks, Turner, McNeil, Thompson and Samuel 
Finley. 

The subject of slavery was agitated so strongly that 
they became dissatisfied with a Northern connection and 
sought connection with the Synod of the South. 
The correspondence was conducted by James Finley. 
He secured the services of Rev. Robert McCoy, 
who preached for them two years, from June 26th, 
1 841. The name of this congregation appears on 
the roll of the A. R. Presbytery of Kentucky at 
its organization Dec. 16th, 1842, under the A. R. P. 
Synod of the South. At this meeting they petitioned for 
the moderation of a call. The petition was granted, and 
call was presented to the Presbytery Aug. 19th, 1843, f° r 
the services of Rev. S. S. Ralston of the Tennessee Pres- 
bytery. Mr. Ralston began his labors as pastor on the 
last Sabbath of Nov., 1843. He preached for them one 
half time, the other half being taken by Buffalo, Mo., 
and Concord in Calaway Co., Mo. He demitted the 
Buffalo branch of his charge Nov. 26th, 185 1, and it is 
presumed Concord also at the same date, though he con- 
tinued as stated supply for several years longer at Buf- 
falo. His installation as pastor at Mt. Zion took place 
on May 30th, 1 1845. He asked for dissolution of this 
relation Sept. 10th, 1859. It was granted Sept. 8th, i860, 
when he joined the U. P. Church. 

The brick church building now used by this congrega- 
tion was built in 185 1. The dedication sermon was 
preached by Rev. S. S. Ralston on 3rd Sabbath of May, 
185 1. 

Rev. J. G. Miller immediately took charge of the 
church and continued as stated supply for fifteen years. 
From 1875 to 1882 it was supplied by Synod by Rev. F. 
Y. Pressly. J. L. Young, Wm. A. Wilson and J. S. Mills. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. F. Y. Pressly was installed as pastor May 20th, 
1882. He resigned the charge Sept. 13th, 1886. The 
church was now supplied by Rev. D. B. Pressly for two 
years to Sept. 24th, 1888, the date of his death. He was 
followed by Rev. B. H. Grier, who accepted a call from 
the congregation June 15th, 1889. This relation was dis- 
solved May 22nd, 1894. Rev. S. A. George was the next 
supply. He was followed by Rev. W. S. Castles, who 
was installed as pastor May 16th, 1896. He died Feb. 
16th, 1897. He was followed by Rev. R. L. Grier as 
supply, who continued until Sept. 21st, 1899. He was 
immediately followed by Rev. H. Rabb, who continued 
as supply until May 1st, 1903. The remainder of the 
year it was supplied by Rev. J. L. Pressly, who is the 
supply at present. 

Four ministers have been reared in this congregation, 
viz., Revs. John W. Finley, Gilbert G. Wilson, Wm. B. 
Logan and P. B. Logan. The three last named are in 
connection with the U. P. Church. 

The most noted revival in the history of the congrega- 
tion was conducted by Rev. W. W. Orr in Nov., 1896, 
when 40 persons united with the church. 

The congregation has always been liberal and pays its 
assessments to the Mission Funds promptly. It main- 
tains a good Sunday School, Woman's Society and 
Young Peoples' Society. The congregation has a good 
parsonage well located. The membership of the church 
is 140. 

Monroe, Union Co., N. C, organized 1855 and sup- 
plied by the First Presbytery. A lot was bought and a 
small church built. Either by some defect in the title or 
advantage taken the property passed into other hands 
and could not be recovered. 

Nashville, Davidson Co., Tenn., was a mission of the 
Associate Reformed Synod of the South. The church 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



was organized there in 1855 by Rev. H. T. Sloan. Vari- 
ous brethren ministered to the flock there at different 
times. Among them is mentioned Revs. H. T. Sloan, 
H. Quigg, W. R. Hemphill, D. D., J. C. Chalmers, R. C. 
Grier, D. D., J. A. Lowry, J. G. Miller, C. B. Betts and 
others probably. But the war came on and the church 
finally disintegrated and is now defunct. 

Nebo, Cleveland Co., N. C, organized March 17, 1856, 
by division of Old Pisgah and located something over a 
mile to the northwest of Kings Mountain. Received sup- 
plies from Dr. E. E. Boyce till his resignation, Sept. 23, 
1875. Again divided and disorganized to form Kings 
Mountain and Bethel, 1876. 

Wm. Weir, Thomas McGill, A. V. Falls, Samuel Har- 
mon, Alfred Ware and N. Kiser were ruling 

elders. A comfortable frame building was erected in 
1856. This was sold and converted into a store in Kings 
Mountain and burned in 1889. The land was sold. 

Neely's Creek, S. C. — The congregation of Neely's 
Creek was organized about 1790. On the 8th of June, 
1794, Rev. William Blackstock was settled as pastor of 
Steel Creek, Ebenezer and Neely's Creek. 

This relationship continued until 1804. The churches 
constituting the charge of Rev. Blackstock were rent by 
the McMullan-Dixon difficulty and Neely's Creek, ac- 
cording to Rev. R. Lathan, left the Associate Reformed 
Church and went into the Associate Presbytery. 

During its connection with the Associate Church, 
Neely's Creek was ministered to by Revs. William Dick- 
son, Abraham Anderson, D. D., Thomas Ketchin, John 
Mushat, A. Whyte, and supplies sent occasionally from 
the North. 

In August, 1847, Neely's Creek was organized as an 
Associate Reformed Church. On the 26th of July, 1849, 
Rev. R. F. Taylor was ordained and installed pastor of 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



525 



Neely's Creek. He served until 185 1. In the fall of 
1853 Rev. L. McDonald was installed as pastor for half 
time. Rev. McDonald continued as pastor until the fall 
of 1870. 

At a meeting of First Presbytery on 4th Sept., 1871, 
the united congregations of Neely's Creek and Union 
presented a call to Rev. C. B. Betts. H was installed on 
3rd of Nov., 1871. This pastorate ended in the fall of 
1889. 

After a vacancy of three years Rev. D. G. Caldwell 
was installed as pastor. Rev. Caldwell resigned in 1894 
and Rev. Oliver Johnson was ordained and installed Oct. 
18, 1894. The first elders of Neely's Creek were, Alex- 
ander Harberson, Samuel Lusk and Thos. Spencer. 
They were succeeded by Thomas Wylie, John Campbell, 
William Campbell and Jackson Spencer. Since the or- 
ganization in 1847 the following persons have been in- 
ducted into the office of ruling elders in Neely's Creek 
congregation : In 1847, Thos. Boyd, John Roddy, Wil- 
liam Wylie and Samuel Wylie. In 1849, A. Templeton 
Black, David Roddy and Jonathan McFadden. In 1857, 
Matthew S. Lynn. In 1861, David C. Roddy. In 1868, 
D. T. Leslie and John T. Boyd. In 1874, J. R. Patton, 
W. W. White and A. J. Walker. 

The following constitute the eldership at the writing, 
1903 : Rev. Oliver Johnson, pastor. Elders, D. T. Les- 
lie, W. White, A. J. Walker, J. T. Ferguson, T. M. Allen, 
W. S. Leslie, G. A. Gettys, W. S. Boyd, D. F. Leslie. 

New Hope, Lincoln Co., Tenn., was organized in 1850 
by the Tennessee Presbytery. "One church building has 
been erected and it has given three ministers (known) 
to the world," but nothing else is known of its history 
till Nov. 2, 1893, when Rev. W. S. Castles was installed 
pastor over New Hope and Bethel. He demitted the 
united charge Sept. 29, 1894, and the next year New 
Hope and Bethel were consolidated in one church called 
Elk Valley. 




NEW HOPE, KY. 



Nezu Hope, Madison Co., Ky. — The organization was 
doubtless made under the auspices of the Second A. R. 
Presbytery of Pennsylvania. The Kentucky Presbytery 
was the result of a division of this Presbytery, and was 
organized Feb. nth, 1801. In the minutes of the first 
meeting of the Kentucky Presbytery on date named, it 
is said, "Petition was read praying supply of sermon 
from Madison." Rev. Adam Rankin was appointed to 
preach there. 

The written congregational records begin Oct. 30th, 
1805, which was the date of the installation of the 
first pastor, Rev. Wm. H. Rainey. He continued as 
pastor twelve years, demitting his charge April 16th, 
1 81 7, Rev. Adam Rankin supplied the church from 1818 
to 1826. From 1828 to 1831 Rev. James Walker was the 
stated supply. He was followed by Revs. A. Craig, 
Samuel Brown, Andrew Bower, Fulton, Finley, Colly, 
Hannon and others up to 1842. 

In Dec, 1842, the church changed its connection from 
the Synod of the West to the Synod of the South, with 
which it has ever since remained. In June, 1843, it -was 
reorganized by Rev. G. Gordon, who continued as stated 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



supply to 1847. It was supplied for twelve years by Revs. 
N. M. Gordon, Lee, Patrick, Ranson, Bryson, Sloan, 
Robinson, Pressly, Miller and Boyce. 

Sept 10, 1859, R- ev - S. C. Boyce was installed as pas- 
tor, which relation continued until May 12th, 1864. It 
was supplied by members of the Presbytery for three 
years. Then by Revs. J. L. Hemphill and J. A. Myers 
up to 1870. Then Rev. W. R. Hemphill, D. D., for two 
years. Then Revs. G. R. White, J. S. A. Hunter and J. 
S. Mills up to 1 881. Rev. W. O. Cochran was installed 
pastor Sept. 16th, 1881, and continued to Sept. 12th, 
1884. From that date to the present time it has been sup- 
plied by the Board of Home Missions as follows : Revs. 
J. H. Peoples, R. M. Stevenson, R. Y. Mills, B. H. Grier, 
R. H. McAuley, D. G. Phillips, T. B. Stewart, W. S. 
Castles, J. M. White, W. A. M. Plaxco, J. H. Simpson, 
L. I. Echols and C. S. Young. Of these Revs. McAuley, 
Phillips, Stewart and White remained one year, and 
Mills and Plaxco two years and Echols and Young three 
years each. The last named, Rev. C. S. Young, began 
his work here in Jan., 1901, and still continues. This 
church has never had a minister for his full time, hav- 
ing always been associated with some other congregation. 

The elders in 1805 were Michael and Wm. Wallace, 
Alex. Mackey, Jacob Patton and James Cochran. In 
1842 they were Robt. Cochran, Salem Wallace and John 
Moran. At present they are A. R. Guyn, W. A. Ander- 
son, O. T. and H. L. Wallace. 

The first church was built at Round Top previous to 
1800. The second was completed in 1845 * n the village 
of Point Lick, five miles from the former location, and 
the name was changed from "Point Lick and Silver 
Creek" to New Hope. It is a good brick building, nicely 
furnished inside. It was repaired, new roof, etc., in 1899 
at a cost of $510.00. 

The parsonage was built in 1870 mainly by the contri- 
butions of Mrs. Ann I. Wallace and John Campbell. 



528 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The former also gave 20 acres of land to it in addition 
to two thousand dollars to keep up repairs and for "pas- 
tor's salary." She also gave $15,000 to the permanent 
Endowment Fund of Erskine College, and $3,000 to the 
temporary endowment. 

This church has furnished two clerks to the Presbytery, 
viz., W. A. Anderson from 1870 to 1896 and O. T. 
Wallace from 1896 to the present. It has also furnished 
one missionary to Mexico, Miss Fannie L. Wallace, who 
went out in Dec, 1900, and fell at the post of duty in 
Tampico, Mexico, from yellow fever, Nov. 16, 1902. 
There is a successful Ladies' Missionary Society, a Sun- 
day School and weekly prayer meetings kept up. Rev. 
W. W. Orr conducted a successful meeting here in April, 
1897, from which there were 26 additions to the church. 
The Synod met here in 1890. 

New Hope, Georgia, was organized by Rev. C. E. 
Todd during his pastorate at Doraville. It was organ- 
ized by the Second Presbytery. It has been regularly 
supplied by the following pastors or stated supplies : 
Rev. C. E. Todd, Rev. R. E. Patterson, Rev. H. Rabb, 
Rev. J. V. Black and Rev. T. B. Stewart and Rev. E. E. 
Strong. The last named was installed pastor August 
22nd, 1902. They still occupy their first church building. 
Rev. L. I. Echols conducted a very interesting revival 
meeting there in 1903. Seventeen persons made a pro- 
fession of faith. 

New Hope, S. C. — New Hope church is situated in 
the northern part of Fairfield County, S. C, and is 
one of the oldest and best churches. It was origin- 
ally a part of Hopewell church, in Chester County. 
For many years before its organization, there was 
a preaching stand in the community called "Kerney- 
ham's," after the name of an individual at or near whose 
house preaching was held. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATION'S 



It was formally organized on Sept. 19th, 1796, and was 
supplied by Revs. Blackstocks, Mushat and Hemphill. 
Rev. John Hemphill was the first pastor, and was in- 
stalled Sept. 19th, 1796, in connection with Hopewell and 
Union. Mr. Hemphill preached at New Hope one-third 
of his time, and continued pastor until his death, May 
20th, 1832. He was succeeded by Rev. James Boyce, who 
was installed in connection with the Brick Church in 
Dec, 1832. 

Dr. Boyce preached one-half time at New Hope until 
he demitted his charge of the Brick Church in 1843, an d 
thereafter he gave all his time to New Hope until he 
was called, in 1870, to the Presidency of Erskine Semi- 
nary, at Due West, S. C. For thirty-seven years Dr. 
Boyce was the pastor of this church. 

Rev. L. McDonald was installed pastor in May, 1871, 
and continued pastor until his death, March 26th, 1874. 
Rev. R. G. Miller was installed in 1874, and continued 
until 1886. Rev. H. B. Blakely was installed Oct. 19th, 
1887, and continued until 1890. 

Rev. A. G. Kirkpatrick was installed Aug. 14th, 1891, 
and continued until 1896. 

Rev. J. E. Johnston was installed May 8th, 1897, and 
continued until Jan., 1900. 

The congregation has erected three church buildings. 
The first about 1790, the second about 1830, and the 
present large and handsome church was built in 1886. 

This congregation has given to the church seven min- 
isters, and one female missionary to Mexico. In all its 
history it has been known as one of the most liberal and 
progressive churches of the Synod. Its membership has 
been composed of pious and cultured people, and people 
who have always taken a great interest in education. 
Many of its men and women have received a collegiate 
education and are now filling many high places in the 
professional world. 

In recent years the congregation has been very much 
34 



^30 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 

weakened by deaths and removals, and since 1900, it has 
not had a pastor. 

New Hope. — This church is situated near the N. E. 
corner of Izard Co., Ark. Some of the members of 
Prosperity lived here, 10 miles or more from the church. 
Among these were the Gaults, Montgomerys, Vaughans, 
and others. Rev. S. P. Davis, by order of Synod of 
1870, came to labor in this field. He organized New 
Hope, April 8, 1871, with 30 members. W. A. Gault, 
J. R. Vaughan and J. F. Wilson were elected elders. 
Mr. Davis supplied this church in 1872 also. About this 
time they put up their first house of worship — a log struc- 
ture. Rev. J. C. McDonald began his labors here, Nov. 
10, 1872, and was installed pastor of New Hope and 
Prosperity, Oct. 10, 1874. He made his home in New 
Hope congregation, having "homesteaded" a piece of 
land and built a house on it, not far from the church. 
He was their pastor until 1881, and stated supply much 
of the time until 1888, also 1891-5. Revs. W. L. and R. 
E. Patterson, S. P. Davis, D. W. Reid and E. E. Pressly 
supplied New Hope and Prosperity a few months each 
during these years. Rev. W. S. Moffatt supplied, 1888- 
90. During this time they erected a neat frame church, 
costing $500 or $600, a mile or more from where the old 
church stood. Rev. M. P. Ellis came to them in August, 
1895, and Feb. 1, 1896, was installed pastor of New Hope 
and Prosperity, each getting half of his time. New Hope 
had 45 members at that time. This has been a happy set- 
tlement, and the church has prospered notwithstanding 
the fact that they have lost some prominent members by 
death. Among these may be mentioned Mr. W. A. Gault, 
who was conspicuous both in piety and zeal, and an ac- 
knowledged leader and efficient worker. They report 
about 70 members. They maintain a fine S. S., a L. B. 
S. and Y. P. C. U. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



New Hope, Gaston Co., N. C. — Dr. Lathan says : 
''The first settlers of the region of country in which Pis- 
gah is situated were Scotch-Irish, who first settled near 
Gettysburg, Pa. From that point they came to what 
was then Tryon County. Aug. I, 1775, people from this 
county petitioned the Associate Presbytery of Pa., and 
Rev. James Martin, just arrived from Ireland, was sent. 
He was followed by Rev. Andrew Patton and Dr. 
Thomas Clark and doubtless others. After the victory 
of King's Mountain, in which some of them doubtless 
participated, Rev. John Jamieson, Rev. Thomas Clark, 
M. D., and others visited here in connection with the 
other forty societies of Covenanters and A. R. Presbyte- 
rians from Virginia to Georgia, numbering some two 
thousand. These, or many of them, without compromise 
changed the name of its congregation and location and 
now reappear in the fruitful mother — Pisgah, and her 
fair daughters. Her organization was prior to 1790. 



— 




1 



11 1 i n 



NEW LEBANON, W. VA. 



New Lebanon, Monroe Co., West Va. — Many Asso- 
ciate Presbyterians settled the fertile and beautiful val- 
ley of Virginia before the Revolution. They sought 
supplies from the Presbytery of Pennsylvania and Char- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



tiers. Rev. John Cree most probably preached here oc- 
casionally from 1795-1803, as that year he was called, 
but declined. A log church was early constructed on the 
grounds now enclosed by Old Lebanon cemetery. 

The Presbytery of Big Spring, A. R. P., in the spring 
of 1806, received a society at the Sinks, in Monroe Co., 
Va. Dr. Scouller says, "The petition was signed by two 
ruling elders and other members accompanied by a liberal 
subscription signed by seventy-five heads of families and 
thirty other persons. These came from an old organized 
church, which had trustees and elders and more than a 
100 members." 

Rev. Wm. Adair, having supplied for some time, ac- 
cepted a call, April 7, 1807, but was never installed. 
This relation ceased Nov. 22, 181 3. Robt. Patton, grand- 
father of Gov. R. M. Patton, of Alabama, a Mr. Nickell, 
Andrew Ballentine, Andrew Miller, Jas. Miller, Jas. 
Alexander, John Cattle, Thomas Boyd were elders. The 
building of the Brick Church and their return to the 
Associate Church occurred about 18 19. About the time 
they are craving Synod for a pastor, Rev. John Wallace, 
a young Irish licentiate, embarks, walks the gang plank 
at Philadelphia, journeys here and is ordained and in- 
stalled June 28, 1824. He resigned March 23, 1832. 
Early after licensure in Oct., 1835, Rev. James Dickson 
began preaching here and remained two years, declining 
a call Jan. 9, 1837, at a salary of $300 for three-fourths 
time. The next six years was a dark period. Occasional 
supplies were given by Dr. Jas. Patterson, Rev. Samuel 
McLean, Dr. H. Thompson, Rev. John Patrick and oth- 
ers. Rev. I. G. McLaughlin preached his first sermon 
here July 21, 1844, and was ordained and installed pastor 
Aug. 4, 1845. Richard Dickson, Michael Beamer, G. W. 
Nickell were elders. In May or June, 1849, there was 
an accession of some 57. 

Rev. McLaughlin demitted May, 1856. Rev. A. B. 
Beamer, Dr. R. Lathan, Rev. M. Oates and Rev. John 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 533 

Simpson ministered in holy things till the fall of Fort 
Sumter, April, 1861. Rev. J. H. Peoples escaped through 
the lines of the war in Aug., 1863, and spent three Sab- 
baths. After the war clouds, Dr. W. M. McElwee spent 
two Sabbaths here, Aug., 1865, and he and Dr. H. 
Thompson held a meeting of Presbytery, June, 1866, and 
ordained R. A. Patton elder. Rev. J. H. Peoples spent 
tvw Sabbaths, beginning July 22, 1866, and closely fol- 
lowing, Rev. L. McDonald three. Rev. J. H. Simpson 
resumed work June 2, 1867, and continued supplying till 
his installation, Aug. 28, 1869, at Salem Presbyterian 
Church, Lebanon being torn down with the purpose of 
being built at the present site. 

The last sermon was preached at the brick church, 
Aug. 15th, 1869 ; the new church was dedicated Nov. 6, 
1870. 

E. F. Patton, J. H. Crawford, B. F. Beamer, J. H. Bal- 
lentine, R. A. Boyd, J. F. Cook have served as elders 
while Newton Dickson, B. F. Hogshead, J. E. Hogs- 
head, R. O. Patton and J. E. Crawford and G. R. Wil- 
liams constitute the present session. Rev. Simpson re- 
signed Oct. 3, 1891. He was followed by Rev. J. H. 
Moffatt about Dec. 1, 1891, whose bright prospects were 
suddenly clouded by his renouncing the Protestant re- 
ligion in the summer of 1895. Rev. E. E. Patterson be- 
gan labors in the early summer of 1896, and closed his 
work Dec. 15, 1897. From July, 1898, to Nov., Revs. 
R. C. Davidson and J. W. McCain supplied and Dec. 
18, 1898, Rev. W. M. Hunter began his ministry as stated 
supply and still continues The Auxiliaries, especially 
the Ladies' Society, Young Ladies' organization and Ju- 
nior Christian Union, bear liberally the financial obliga- 
tions of the congregation. It also has a handsome manse 
near the church. 



New Perth, Iredell Co., N. C. — Organized before 1790, 
possibly as a result of the labors of Dr. Thomas Clark, 



534 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. John Jamieson and others. From organization 
to 1811, she was linked with and made the same effort 
for supplies and pastoral relation as Rocky Springs and 
New Stirling. In 1803 there were 32 families. Rev. 
Wm. Blackstocks was stated supply from 1804 to 181 1. 
The organization of Cambridge, Associate, out of her 
membership, weakened her awhile, but she being supplied, 
grew stronger as the Associate Presbytery was bereft of 
her ministry by removal, and saw her teacher in the 
young and faithful Rev. J. G. Witherspoon ordained and 
installed Aug. 20, 1834. His early and lamented death, 
Jan. 6, 1846, terminated this pastorate. During his min- 
istry, the happy union between the Associate and the As- 
sociate Reformed Church occurred here April 16, 1844. 
Some four years after this vacancy, there came a brainy 
South Carolina licentiate, nervy, fiery and eloquent, but 
fine goods put up in a small package. "Jury, look upon 
the preacher." "Preacher, look upon the jury." "Like 
him" "Yes." Feb. 12, 185 1, began a thirty-five years' 
ministry, laborious and long, faithful and fertile. In 
i860, R. White, J. Young, J. H. Cavin, Geo. White, John 
A. White and W. S. Brown were elders. In 1863, John 
Davidson, R. S. Brown, S. F. Jones and Ephraim 
Scroggs. 

Dr. J. E. Pressly's able pastorate, ending April 13, 
1886, Rev. T. B. Stewart was ordained and installed Nov. 
19, 1887, and his pastorate closed April 7, 1891. During 
this the third building was erected, a large and commodi- 
ous house. Rev. W. Y. Love was installed Jan., 1892, 
and demitted Oct. 30, 1900. Rev. E. F. Griffith began 
labor Nov. 25, 1900, and was installed May 27 following. 
He continues with this teachable and minister-reverenc- 
ing people. Present ruling elders : Alexander Clark, 
W. A. Suther, J. M. Hethcox, N. W. Johnson. 

New Stirling, Iredell Co., N. C. — About 1775, in Octo- 
ber, when the messengers of war were ravaging, a min- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



535 




NEW STIRLING, N. C. 

ister of peace was riding into that section known as 
Fourth Creek. For something like a year this ambassa- 
dor, Jas. Martin, itinerated in Mecklenburg, Gaston and 
Iredell Counties, N. C. At a meeting of the Associate 
Presbytery of Pennsylvania, Oct. 16th, 1776, there came 
"two petitions from 4th Creek in N. Carolina, craving the 
settlement of Mr. Martin among them." This call Pres- 
bytery did not sustain, because of inadequate support. 
May 7th, 1777, they renewed their request, and Rev. 
Andrew Patton was sent that summer. For a year or 
two, during the ravages of the Revolution, now trans- 
ferred South, there was great destitution. Rev. John 
Hemphill was licensed May 27, 1794, and soon after- 
ward started on a tour South ; visited and preached here, 
as he was called May 27, 1795, but declined. New Stirl- 
ing was organized before Feb. 24, 1790. Rev. Wm. 
Blackstocks was stated supply from 1804 to 181 1. 

Some time before the close of his ministry, a portion 
of the congregation joined the Associate Presbytery of 
the Carolinas, and organizing at the present site, Rev. 
John Mushat, late in 181 1, was installed. This brilliant 
ministry that promised so much became entangled with 
the affairs of this world, and ended far from expectation, 
Jan., 1825. 



536 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The present house was built in 1834; Hiram Morrison 
was architect. It was ceiled in Dr. Millen's ministry, 
lengthened 16 feet in 1862, and overhauled and painted 
in 1887. Robt. Hogstan, Wm. Morrison, Colin Camp- 
bell, Jas. and David Alexander, Wm. McLeod, Forgus 
and Jas. Milligan, Michael Flack, John Scott, Geo. Gor- 
don, John McLean, Alex. Matheson, Jas. McDaniel, 
Thomas Morrison, Jas. McKay, John Moore and Wm. 
Miller were elders. Rev. Thomas Wilson and Jas. P. 
Ramsay were sent south in the winter of '33 and summer 
of '34, and doubtless preached here. This was a dark 
period. The Presbytery was greatly reduced by the re- 
moval of her ministry North. Notwithstanding this, in 
1835, "Cambridge and New Stirling, N. C, have made 
arrangements for taking the whole time of a special mis- 
sionary from Synod." The Associate Synod, May 30, 
1840, suspended Revs. H. Thompson and Archibald 
Whyte because they declined their authority, and sent 
Rev. T. S. Kendall to all the Associate churches South, 
in order to reconcile them to their resolutions on slavery. 
He visited this church in 1840. After sermon at Smyrna, 
Chester Co., S. C, he was taken to White Oak, Fairfield 
Co., and humiliated. This unrighteous act severed all 
connection with the Associate Synod. 

Rev. John Patrick was licensed 1841, and frequently 
preached here. Dr. S. C. Millen, this church becoming 
a part of the First Presbytery, April 16, 1844, was in- 
stalled pastor Nov. 8th, 1847, preaching his first sermon 
as S. S. first Sabbath of November, 1846, and resigned 
Sept. 9, 1853. Henry McLain, John Scroggs, Robert 
McKay, John Reynolds, A. M. Walker, Leander Alex- 
ander, Hiram Scroggs and Col. J. B. White ruling elders, 
1847. 

Rev. W. B. Pressly was ordained and installed Nov. 9, 
1855, and demitted April 8th, 1878. J. Alston Davidson, 
Henry F. Hunter, J. M. Lewis, D. M. Moore and Milas 
Brady, elders. Rev. W. M. Hunter was installed Sept. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



537 



20, 1878, and demitted Oct 2nd, 1888. I. A. Johnson and 
John Miller were added to session. Rev. J. C. Boyd was 
pastor, June, '91-Nov. 1, '99. In the early fall of '91, 
there was a gracious revival under Dr. W. W. Orr, with 
99 additions. Rev. E. F. Griffith, now residing in their 
comfortable parsonage, was installed May 27, 1901, hav- 
ing begun labor Nov. 25th preceding. J. F. Moore, J. F. 
Stewart, W. F. Pressly, J. A. Pope, J. S. Moore and E. 
A. Morrison, present session. A. M. White, H. G. Mor- 
rison, J. M. Miller and R. L. Bradford are deacons. 

John McLean, about 1876, left a legacy for pastors' 
salary of $1,800.00. New Stirling is the mother of 
churches — Amity, Elk Shoal, Statesville, Hiddenite and 
Taylorsville. Elk Shoal Academy from '66-76 did a 
good work for the cause of education, and in preparing 
young men for the ministry. Ruling elder, Col. J. P. 
White, was hospitable in his home, wise in counsel, 
guarded in speech, a prince in prayer, a loyal lover of his 
church, and a frequent, influential member of her judica- 
tories. 

Drs. G. R. White and R. G. Miller, and Revs. J. M. 
McLain and Leon T. Pressly are sons of this church. 

Nob Creek, Cleveland Co., N. C. — Appears on the roll 
of the Second Presbytery at her organization, April 8th, 
1801, asking supply. Revs. Wm. Dixon and James Ma- 
gill were sent that year, and Revs. Peter McMullen and 
Robert Irwin also gave them a few Sabbaths the next 
year. Rev. Isaac Grier visited them in Sept. About this 
time Nob Creek, in connection with the stations of Little 
Britain and Duncan's Creek, were attached to and sup- 
plied by the First Presbytery. 

Doubtless Rev. Wm. Dixon ministered at lone and 
hungry intervals, as this vacancy came into the Associate 
Presbytery. Rev. Thomas Ketchen's first sermon in the 
Carolinas was preached here possibly in the spring of 
1821, as was his last, and for a time his burial place. 



538 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. Joseph Banks, possibly about 1829, began preach- 
ing here. He was subsequently called, in connection 
with Pisgah, N. C, and Bethany and Sardis, S. C, and 
though ordained with the view of a pastoral settlement 
he was never installed. He continued as stated supply 
till early in the fall of 1833. In 1840, there were 11 fam- 
ilies and 20 members. The Boggs family were loyal and 
strong supporters. Dr. E. E. Boyce and other members 
of the First Presbytery, administered there the word of 
life. The congregation has long been without officers, 
but remained a preaching station till about 1876. 



Old Providence, Augusta Co., Va. — Very early after 
the organization of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsyl- 
vania, many in this valley sought of her supplies. A peti- 
tion was sent Oct. 12, 1762, from Augusta, Va. Revs. 
Wm. Marshall and James Martin visited them in 1775 and 
1776; Revs. John Murray in the winter and Andrew Pat- 
ton in the summer of 1777; Revs. John Smith, Aug., 
1778, and Jas. Clarkson, summer 1780. A petition, Oct. 
10, 1780, from Tinkling Spring, Augusta Co., Va., "crav- 
ing supply and the ordination of elders." Delayed for 
the next two years, as were all the Virginia petitions, be- 




OLD PROVIDENCE, VA. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 539 



cause of the war raging in those parts. Rev. John Smith 
is to write "directing them to a suitable exercise in their 
present state of trial." The congregation entered the 
union of 1782, and united with Timber Ridge, 1783, in 
calling Rev. John Rodgers, M. D. "These churches had 
evidently existed for some time as they had acquired per- 
manence and strength sufficient for the support of a min- 
ister." — Dr. Scouller. This antedated the introduction 
of Watt's Psalms and Hymns, 1789, which could not 
have occasioned her organization. Doubtless there was 
secession at that marked and far-reaching innovation, but 
the defenders of the inspired Psalmody found a congenial 
home in old Providence. New Providence built their first 
church near a fort, to protect them from the Indians, and 
at, or near, present site of Old Providence. This or 
some other shelter was used by the congregation under 
review. Patrick Hall, the grandfather of Cyrus McCor- 
mick, of reaper fame, deeded the land, Oct. 15th, 1793, 
to Trustees Jas. McChesney, Geo. Campbell and others, 
on which was built, 1793, the Stone Church, and was 
very zealous and liberal in erecting the house. About this 
time, Aug. 20, 1792, there was ordained and installed their 
second pastor, Rev. John Young. Dr. John Rodgers 
having been suspended in 1790, his pastoral relation 
ceased. 

Among the oldest elders were James McClung, Hugh 
Brownlee, Samuel Carson, Elijah Carson, James Rowan, 
Robt. McCormick, Robert Harris, Jno. Harris, John 
McCutcheon, Jas. McChesney. Rev. John Young, an 
able and learned minister, resigned in the summer of 
1799. At the organization of the General Synod this 
congregation was attached to the Big Spring Presby- 
tery. There were then 158 members. Rev. Wm. Adair, 
of Irish Rebellion Romance, was ordained and accepted 
a call April 7, 1807, but not installed. He ceased his 
labors here April 19, 1809, "because of the hundred miles, 
three mountains and six rivers" that intervened between 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



this and Lebanon, West Va. Occasional supplies were 
sent for a number of years. Rev. Jas Brown, of Tyrone, 
Ireland, was stated supply about two years, ending in 
1822. In 1827, Old Providence joined the Associate 
Presbytery of the Carolinas. Wm. McCormick and Rob- 
ert Carson were in 1826 ordained ruling elders. There 
came South a New Yorker and faced a people in Dec, 
1828, destined to be his life long pastorate. He was 
called Aug. 3rd, 1833, an< ^ ordained and installed March, 
1834, for one-third time, Ebenezer and Timber Ridge 
taking the remainder. During Rev. H. Thompson's min- 
istry, April 16, 1844, this church, together with all the 
Associate Presbyterians of Virginia, came into connec- 
tion with the First Presbytery A. R. P. Synod of the 
South. 

In the first cemetery stands a marble monument to the 
memory of Robert McCormick, who died July 4th, 1846. 
He and wife were for a time members and all their chil- 
dren were baptized in the stone church, including Cyrus 
H. McCormick. I The coping on the stone wall of the 
cemetery was donated by this family at an expense of 
some $1,300. 

The present brick building was completed in 1859, at 
a cost of $2,754.00. Elder J. H. Callison was specially 
zealous and active in the work, and Elijah Carson gave 
the largest contribution, $500.00, and the largest propor-. 
tion of the site. Dr. Thompson's semi-centennial of his 
first sermon was celebrated May 17, 1880. Very soon 
afterward he began to ask for an assistant. Feb. 6, 1881, 
Rev. S. W. Haddon, a young licentiate, began his .minis- 
try in this capacity. Dr. Thompson's death at a full age, 
like "as a shock of corn cometh in in his season," May 
6th, 1882, opened the way for the young brother to be 
installed April 19th, 1883. He is still pastor and the 
church is growing under his administration. 

Old Providence is noted for her generous and enter- 
prising people. Among them was James Carson, who 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



541 



willed $1,000 to Erskine College, Jas. H. Callison and 
Wm. Lusk. Two of the oldest active elders are N. D. 
McCormick and A. G. Brown. The former gave two 
sons to the ministry, Revs. J. C. and C. D. McCormick. 
Times of refreshing came, 1889, under Dr. W. W. Orr, 
when 59, and in 1892 under Revs. E. F. Griffith and W. 
A. M. Plaxco, when 29, and 1898 under Rev. J. S. 
Moffatt, when 17 professed conversion. 

The Valley High School, using the old Stone Church, 
was organized under the auspices of Old Providence in 
1887. The school has done a good work. A large and 
comfortable parsonage was erected in 1886, at a cost of 
$2,000. 

Olivet, S. C. — Olivet church was situated in York Co., 
S. C, near where the town of McConnellsville now is. 
It was organized by the First Presbytery in 1843, although 
there was preaching there before that time. Rev. R. A. 
Ross, D. D., was installed pastor in 1843. Dr. Ross had 
charge of Olivet in connection with Sharon and Smyrna, 
and the joint service of installation was held at Sharon 
on Dec. 6th, 1843. 

It seems that the church building there was for the con- 
venience of the different denominations living in the 
vicinity, and many of the friends and supporters of the 
congregation, and who attended on Dr. Ross' ministry 
were not members of the A. R. Church. Dr. Ross con- 
tinued to preach there until after the Civil War. The 
war and its results fell very heavily on that community, 
and after the war the few remaining told Dr. Ross that 
they were obliged to let him discontinue preaching there. 
The members were absorbed in the surrounding churches, 
and it ceased to be an A. R. church. , 

Oothcaloga, (Cass) now Bartow Co., Ga. — Rev. D. C. 
Haslet, pastor Jan. 27, '44- April 10, '46, was visited oc- 
casionally by Revs. A. McElroy and Thomas Turner, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



and passed from the roll in the early stages of the Civil 
War. 

Orleans, Citrus Co., Fla. — This church was organized 
by Rev. C. S. Young, Jan. 27, 1886, with twelve mem- 
bers, in a school building at Arlington, five miles north 
of Orleans. Another branch of the same congregation 
was organized May, 1888, at Orleans, with 14 members. 
The elders were M. B. Van Ness and M. D. Bell and I. 
W. Ogle. 

Rev. C. S. Young was the only preacher the congrega- 
tion ever had He continued the work with more or less 
interruption until Jan., 1901, when he removed to Ken- 
tucky. 

The school building at Arlington was used for preach- 
ing until 1895, when it changed to Hernando, a new R. 
R. town, two miles further North. The entire member- 
ship never exceeded 22 in this branch of the work . 

At Orleans the school building was used until 1890, 
when the new church began to be used. The first sermon 
was preached in it by Rev. J. N. Young, April 6th, 1890. 
The church, however, was not completed until the fol- 
lowing year. The dedication sermon was preached by 
Rev. E. P. McClintock, April 17th, 1892. The entire 
membership in this branch of the work never exceeded 
25, making a total of 45 members. 

The purpose in the organization in Florida, was to 
collect in one place and form an A. R. Presbyterian con- 
gregation of people of that faith and practice who desired 
to locate in that State. But it was found to be impracti- 
cable, if not impossible, to concentrate them at any one 
point, and make a permanent location. 

The changes in the climate, by which their orange 
groves were killed, and the discovery of Phosphate de- 
posits, which brought in large numbers of undesirable 
laborers, caused the people to seek other locations, — most 
of them moving to other States. The work was aban- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



doned and the church property sold in 1900, by order of 
Second Presbytery. The church furniture was shipped to 
Clinton, S. C, to be used in the new church there. The 
church building was sold and the money paid to Church 
Extension Fund. 

Orrville, Ala. — Was organized by Rev. J. A. Lowry, in 
August, 1889, by the authority of the Tennessee and Ala- 
bama Presbytery. Its membership was originally made 
up from Prosperity, Ala. It has had but two pastors, 
Rev. J. A. Lowry, who was installed, it is supposed, soon 
after the organization and continued up to the time of his 
death, April 6, 1898 ; he was succeeded by Rev. W. A. 
Blakely, who was installed May 21, 1900, and this rela- 
tion still exists. About one-fourth of his time is given 
to this field. 

Orrville has had but one church building, erected, prob- 
ably, soon after the organization. 

Pattern's Vale, Buncombe Co., N. C. — Was organized 
prior to 18 19, by Associate Presbytery Carolinas, and 
disappeared about 1822. This with French Broad and 
Head of Catawba, had in 1819, 50 families, 74 members 
and 103 catecumens. 

Patterson s Mills, Washington Co., Pa. — There were 
some in this section who were opposed to the policy of 
the government in the prosecution of the war. Feeling 
grieved by their treatment, they applied to Rev. W. M. 
McElwee, pastor of Ebenezer A. R. church, Rockbridge 
Co., Va. He visited and organized this congregation a 
short time after the close of the Civil War. Mr. Wm. J. 
Patterson was a prominent elder and a delegate to Synod 
in 1868. Rev. J. A. Myers began labors in the 
summer of 1870, and was installed pastor in the 
spring of 1871. He resigned in 1881, in anticipation of 
this congregation returning to the United Presbyterian 
church, which it did May 30, 1881. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Piedmont, Macon Co., N. C. — It was situated near 
Franklin, the county seat, and was organized about 1825, 
by the Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas, and sup- 
plied by this body. In 1840, there were seven families 
and 15 members. Rev. John Patrick visited them in 1846 
but found them disorganized. 

Perry's Church, Lancaster Co., S. C. — Perry's Church, 
in Lancaster Co., S. C, ws supplied by Rev. Thos. Ketchin 
as early as 1840, and appears on the roll as a vacancy in 
1843. The minutes of the First Presbytery show that it 
was supplied with preaching with some regularity until 
about 1861, when it disappears from the roll. 

Philadelphia, Fla. — When Rev. J. C. Chalmers reor- 
ganized Pleasant Grove, Decatur Co., Ga., "thirteen of 
those who entered this organization were formerly in 
communion at the Old Philadelphia church, Fla." Some 
time before '37 organized. Rev. J. McCreary found ten 
families in area 25 miles, and preached Dec, '38. Rev. 
J. C. Chalmers in '39. 

Pine Barren, Wilcox Co., Ala. — Appears on the roll 
of 1830 as a vacancy of the Second Presbytery. When 
it ceased to exist we do not know. 

Pine Log, (Cass) now Bartow Co., Ga. — On the roll, 
'43, a small vacancy, supplied by Georgia Presbytery. 

Pin Oak, in Milam Co., Texas. — Was organized by 
R v. J. M. Little, July 8, 1889, with ten members. They 
united with Cedar Creek in 1893 in forming the church 
at Milano. 

Pisgah, Gaston Co., N. C. — '"The people who first set- 
tled this region came from near Gettysburg, Pa. They 
were all Scotch-Irish, who had left Scotland that they 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 




PISGAH, N. C. 



might enjoy the privilege of worshipping God in accord- 
ance with the teachings of the Scriptures. From Ireland 
they came, or rather fled, to America. They had been 
but a short time in America until they incurred the last- 
ing resentment of the red man. From the savage at- 
tacks of the red man they fled from Pennsylvania to the 
hills of Gaston and Cleveland counties, N. C. The set- 
tlement in the region of Pisgah Church was begun about 
1750. These early settlers were joined previous to the 
Revolutionary War by other families, some direct from 
Ireland, and some from Ireland, by way of Pennsylvania. 
It was not, perhaps, until after the close of the Revolu- 
tionary War that these early pioneers organized them- 
selves into a church." In the regions of King's Moun- 
tain, where patriotism so successfully contested for civil 
liberty in 1780, religious liberty too had her triumphs. 

Prior to 1793, all the Presbyterians in that section wor- 
shipped either at Beersheba, York Co., S. C, or at Long 
Creek, Lincoln Co., N. C. The introduction of human 
composition in the worship of God was such a marked 
innovation that a respectable minority sought as their 
only hope connection with the Associate Reformed Pres- 
bytery. Andrew Furgeson and John Miller are therefore 



35 



546 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



commissioned to a meeting of this body on Black River, 
S. C. In response, Rev. James Rogers first visited the 
Psalm-singing members at Beersheba. 

The following were active in attempting to keep God's 
word sung in God's house : Francis Henry, William 
McElwee, Sr., his sons, John and William, William Hen- 
ry, Alexander Henry, James Henry, James Crawford, 
Wm. Crawford, Francis Rea, James Dunn and Joseph 
Carroll. These worshipped for some two years at the 
head of Crowder's Creek, on the south base of the pin- 
nacle of King's Mountain in N. C, on the Furgeson 
place. A small log house was erected. This church 
united with Sharon and Carmel, York Co., S. C, and 
called Rev. William Dixon, who was ordained and in- 
stalled June 5th, 1797. This log church about that time 
became the mother of two daughters, named Bethany 
and Pisgah, the mother giving up her life at their birth. 
Bethany, about 1796, erected a stand on the present lo- 
cation. Pisgah, a twin daughter, selected a spot about 
four miles east of the town of King's Mountain. The 
first burial was Jean Blackwood, who died March 11, 
1797. The deed was made Feb. 2, 1801, and signed in 
the presence of John Kennedy, Jr., John Venables, Rob- 
ert Adams and Gilbreath Falls. Trustees : James Black- 
wood, Thomas Blackwood, John Falls, James Falls, John 
Oates, James Furgeson, Samuel Blackwood and Thomas 
Dickson. Ten acres were deeded for $28.50, while they 
or any part of them adhered to the Westminster Confes- 
sion of Faith. 

About 1803, this congregation, with the pastor, Rev. 
William Dixon, left the A. R. Presbytery and helped or- 
ganize the Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas. In 
1819 his whole charge had 150 families and 350 mem- 
bers. After a long and useful ministry, he resigned Pis- 
gah with the other churches March 26th, 1828. 

About this time, Sharon, being detached to form a part 
of Dr. W. M. McElwee's charge, Rev. Joseph Banks was 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 547 

called March 20, 1830, to Bethany and Sardis, S. G, and 
Nob Creek and Pisgah, N. G, four churches in four 
counties and two States. Ordained by Carolinas Presby- 
tery, Oct. 15th, 1 83 1, with a view to installation, which 
for some reason did not occur, and removed in the early 
fall of 1833, having served as stated supply some three 
years. Soon afterwards this congregation, with a num- 
ber of others in that region, returned to the Associate Re- 
formed Church. They were supplied by the First Pres- 
bytery till Rev. R. C. Grier was ordained and installed 
pastor June 1, 1841, and remained till Dec. 2nd, 1847, 
when his Synod called him to preside over Erskine Col- 
lege. Rev. E. E. Boyce was ordained and installed pas- 
tor June 28th, 1849. Increasing in ability and numbers, 
two congregations were formed Sept. 6, 1855, one taking 
the name of Nebo, some distance N. W. of King's Moun- 
tain, the other retaining the name and locating at the 
present site. Dr. E. E. Boyce demitted Sept. 25th, 1893, 
to take effect last Sabbath of the year. It was happily ar- 
ranged that the eloquent and earnest Dr. J. C. Galloway 
had been secured to succeed the first Sabbath of the next 
year, his installation taking place March 17, 1894, and his 
demission Jan. 1, 1901. Rev. A. T. Lindsay, the present 
pastor, was ordained and installed Sept. 27, 1901. Pis- 
gah has handsomely entertained Synod twice, 1872 and 
1902, a privilege rarely accorded in these latter times. 

Pleasant Grove, Decatur Co , Ga. — Southwestern Geor- 
gia and Northwestern Florida was visited about 1830 by 
Rev. J. L. Pressly. Revs. J. M. McCreary spent two 
Sabbaths in May, '37; J. C. Chalmers a while, '39; J. S. 
Pressly, three Sabbaths, Jan., '42. A church was organ- 
ized by one of these or some other. Rev. J. C. Chalmers 
reorganized it, Dec, '44, and spent 11 weeks in that re- 
gion. Revs. D. F. Haddon, D. P. Robinson, J. S. Pressly 
and J. I Bonner supplied for a short time each. Rev. A. 



548 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



McElroy was pastor May i, 1847, fall— 1858. Rev. M. 
Oates was supply Oct., '60,-Oct., '61, and received $372. 
J. Gibson, D. McGinnis and Geo. Boyce were ruling el- 
ders, Thomas Wighams a prominent member. Passed 
into the Southern Presbyterian Church after the Civil 
War, with the distinct understanding that the inspired 
Psalmody should not be disturbed while one member de- 
sired it. Mrs. R. G. Chestnut remains that one. 

Pleasant Hill, Obion Co., Tenn. — Located six miles 
east of Troy, and two miles west of Rives, has been a 
place of preaching from an early day in the history of this 
country. A union church was built here, and for many 
years a monthly appointment was filled by the pastor of 
the Associate Reformed church at Troy. 

The organization of an Associate Reformed Presbyte- 
rian church was formed there by Rev. T. P. Pressly, 
November 18th, 1882, with 13 members. E. A. McCaw, 
T. B. Moffatt and J. H. McCaw were elected Elders. Reg- 
ular services were continued at this place until the con- 
gregation decided to build at Rives, and to move the 
organization to that place. This was consummated, the 
church at Rives being dedicated in January, 1888, and 
services discontinued at Pleasant Hill. (See sketch of 
Rives, Tenn., for further history.) 

Pleasant Hill. — Pleasant Hill church is situated in Lan- 
caster Co., S. C, and is on the Southern Railway, be- 
tween Lancaster and Camden. It was organized by the 
First Presbytery in Dec, 1899. Previous to its organiza- 
tion, Revs. W. C. Ewart and J. L. Oates preached there 1 
occasionally and through their efforts the church was 
organized. The church building at Buford Monument 
was taken down and removed to this 'place. 

Rev. J. L. Oates supplied the church from its organiza- 
tion until March, 1900. 

Rev. J. M. White supplied the church from May, 1900, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



549 



until he was installed pastor in October of the same year. 
Mr. White is still pastor. The elders of the church are 
S. Beckham, W. A. Marshall, and R. M. Kirk, and the 
deacons are J. M. Caskey, John K. Beckham, and W. S. 
Kirk. 

Pleasant Plains, Lincoln Co., Tenn. — Is the original 
name of Blanche, to which the reader is referred. 

Pleasant Valley. — Nothing is known of this place. 
Nothing in the records of Presbytery to indicate that it 
was an organization. It is presumed it was for a period 
of time a preaching point, but who preached there, and 
when, and even its location is unknown. 

Point Pleasant. — West Virginia became under the pas- 
toral charge of Rev. J. A. Myers, from about 1872 to 
1 88 1, when she returned to the United Presbyterian 
Church. 




POLK, TENN. 



Polk A. R. Church.— -Is a station on the Illinois Cen- 
tral in Obion Co., Tenn., and derived its name from the 
fact that two families of this name lived there and owned 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



the land near. For a number of years Rev. T. P. Pressly 
of Troy, four miles distant, preached here once a month, 
on Sabbath afternoons, in a school house. During the 
year 1900, a church was built at a cost of $1,300.00, which 
was dedicated Sept. 30th, 1900. Those who went into 
the organization were enrolled March the 31st, 1900, and 
the following officers were elected. Elder : J. B. Bu- 
chanan and W. J. Erwin. Deacons : Samuel G. Erwin 
and W. J. Caskey. These officers were installed April 
14th, 1901. . 

In order to secure more preaching and another laborer 
in the fields, the sessions of Troy, Rives and Polk met in 
joint session and agreed that the last two be allowed to 
form a pastoral charge, if suitable arrangements could 
be made. The services of Rev. E. P. Lindsay were se- 
cured and he began work here January 1st, 1902. He 
was very acceptable to the people and he was installed 
pastor Dec. 6th, 1903, by Revs. J. W. Baird and T. P. 
Pressly, at Rives in the morning and at Polk that night. 
There has been steady growth since the organization. 
Ross Brown and Wm. R. Lancaster were ordained el- 
ders, and David Guy and W. S. Smith, deacons in 1904. 

A flourishing Sabbath school is kept up and a Ladies' 
Society numbering fourteen. 

Poplar Spring, Ga. — Organized before 1790. 

Prairie Valley, in Johnston Co., Texas. — Was organ- 
ized by Rev. W. L. Patterson in 1879, with nine members, 
James and Samuel Turner and Henry Wilbanks being 
elected elders. Rev. W. L. Patterson supplied them once 
a month, until Oct., 1880. The church was then disor- 
ganized by the removal of most of the members. 

Prairie View, near Buckholt, in Milam Co., Texas. — 
Was organized by Rev. J. M. Little, July 29, 1894, with 
15 members. Most of the members came from Long 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 551 



Cane, S. C, among whom were Bickets, Burnets and 
Ethridges. They were supplied by Rev. J. L. Pressly, 
in 1895, and Rev. Calvin Pressly, in 1896. That year 
they united with Milano in forming the church at Mar- 
low. 

Pottsville. — In October, 185 1, nine or ten families 
emigrated from the A. R. P. churches about King's 
Mountain, N. C, to the west. They travelled in their 
wagons many weeks, but located as a colony in the south- 
ern part of Pope Co., Ark., in the beautiful and fertile 
valley of the Arkansas River. They soon began to send 
back appeals for preaching. Rev. John Patrick came to 
them in Nov., 1852, and spent 13 weeks among them. 
He organized a church Jan. 29, 1853, and they named 
it Pisgah. Thirty members were enrolled. John Oates, 
John Falls, and James Quinn were elected elders. They 
had been elders in North Carolina. Rev. J. K. Boyce 
preached to them in the summer of 1853 and '04. Rev. 
John Patrick settled in the bounds of Pisgah in the sum- 
mer of 1855, and was stated supply until 1859, when 
Rev. J. L. McDaniel took up the work for some months. 
Others had come out from North Carolina and the mem- 
bership increased to about 125. Rev. David Kerr came 
to them in i860, and supplied the church till May, 1863. 
Sectional feeling ran high during the Civil War, and the 
peace of the community was much disturbed by it. 
These were not years of religious growth. Rev. John 
Patrick supplied the church until the arrival of Rev. M. 
Oates, in Dec, '67. Mr. Oates was installed pastor the 
5th Monday in Aug., '68. The Session was composed 
of the following: A. N. Falls, Jas. McElwee, Alex. 
Dickey, S. B. Dickey, R. H. Dickey, T. M. Oates and 
Thomas Oates. These were trying times in the history 
of the church. Frequent cases of discipline called for 
tact and patience. But the faithful and diligent dis- 
charge of duty proved a blessing to the church. The con- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



gregation having drifted toward the river, another place 
of preaching was established. This resulted in the build- 
ing of a new church, which was occupied in 1877, an d 
called Bethany. The strength of the congregation was 
concentrated about Bethany and a point on the L. R. & 
Ft. S. R. R. called Potts' Station, and later Pottsville. 
It was agreed to erect a church at this place. The building 
cost $1,000. The first services in the new church at 
Pottsville was held the first Sabbath in March, 1884. Af- 
ter this, preaching at Pisgah was discontinued and the 
pastor divided his time equally between Bethany and 
Pottsville, which are about three miles apart. There has 
been a heavy drain on the congregation by frequent re- 
movals, principally to Zion, Russellville, Little Rock and 
Texas. In 1893 the congregation purchased a property 
for a parsonage, conveniently located in Pottsville, at the 
cost of $600. This was the first parsonage owned by 
any congregation in the Presbytery. On account of 
failing health Mr. Oates resigned his pastoral charge 
in 1899 to take effect at the end of the year. The church 
had 125 members and was in good working condition. 
Thomas Oates, C. G. Oates, W. P. Ferguson, C. S. Bell 
and J. H. Oates composed the Session. About a year 
later J. D. Oates, S. E. Oates and J. G. Ferguson were 
elected and ordained elders. Rev. J. W. Carson begun 
his labors here in July, 1900, and was installed pastor 
Nov. 6 following. This has been a happy settlement. 
The church has prospered, growing in numbers and in 
activity in the work of Sabbath Schools, Ladies' and 
Young Peoples' Societies, and Junior Unions. 

Prosperity, Lincoln Co., Tenn., is about 11 miles south 
of Fayetteville. The first settlement of Associate Re- 
formed Presbyterians was about the year 1827, and they 
came from Abbeville, Chester and Fairfield Counties, S. 
C. The organization was effected in the fall of 1827 or 
spring of 1828 by Revs. John Renwick and Henry Bry- 
son by order of the Tennessee Presbytery. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. Henry Bryson was installed pastor May 17, 1828, 
and served the congregation until, on account of failing 
health, he was forced to resign, April, 1847. R ev - A. 
S. Sloan became pastor in 1847, ver Y soon after the resig- 
nation of Rev. Dr. Bryson. Just when this pastorate 
terminated is not stated. Rev. J. B. Muse became pas- 
tor Oct. 31, 1874. In May, 1889, Rev. O. Y. Bonner 
became pastor, resigning June 1st, 1891, to accept call 
to Due West, S. C. Rev. A. J. Ranson was installed 
Nov. 10, 1895, and resigned Nov., 1901. Rev. J. B. 
Hood was sent immediately after this as supply, and on 
July 5, 1902, was installed pastor and continues to serve. 

Between the pastorate of Revs. Muse and Bonner a 
vacancy of one and a half years occurred, during which 
time the pulpit was supplied by Revs. J. A. Myers and 
H. B. Blakely. After Rev. Bonner resigned the congre- 
gation was vacant for a year or two, and was supplied by 
Revs. J. M. Garrison, W. B. Logan and W. S. Castles. 

Prosperity has had three houses of worship. The first 
was a log house built in 1828 and used for some time 
with only the dirt floor. During a protracted meeting 
one summer this log house was too small for the accom- 
modation of the congregation, and they went to a grove 
in the graveyard. While they were preaching in the grave- 
yard some young people got together and danced in the. 
log church without floor. When they got through danc- 
ing the boys decided to have some fun at Dr. Bryson's 
expense, and sent for him to come in the church to talk 
with a young man (pretending to be) under conviction 
of sin and seeking for light. Dr. Bryson came and found 
the young man crying and feigning deep penitence. At 
once divining the situation he ordered the boys all to 
their knees and to prayer. Having done this Dr. Bry- 
son began the prayer by asking God to convert the young 
man if his penitence was sincere, but if not sincere to 
strike him dead at once. The young man jumped up in 
great fright and got away. A few days later he came to 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Dr. Bryson, saying in earnest he was converted and 
joined the church. 

In 1 84 1 and 1842 a new church was built 52 ft. square. 
This was burnt by an incendiary. He evidently had some 
regard for the pulpit Bible, as it was removed from the 
pulpit and laid on the fence at a safe distance. The third 
house was erected in 1881 and 1882. It is a good frame 
building 40x60 feet. 

In this latter house Rev. W. W. Orr conducted a* re- 
vival in which 67 souls were added to the church. 

The following ministers have gone out from Pros- 
perity : James M. Brown, to the G. A. P. Church. To 
the A. R. P. Church, Thomas Parkinson, G. G. Parkin- 
son, of Erskine Seminary, and J W. Good. 

Prosperity, Dallas Co., Ala., is located at Harrell's 
Station on S. R. R. It was organized some time during 
the year 1822 by the Alabama Presbytery. In the early 
history of the church it was supplied by Dr. Henry Bry- 
son. It enjoyed also the services of Dr. Isaac Grier. 
There were also other supplies for short periods. 

Rev. J. P. Pressly was the first pastor, and was called 
and presumably installed over the church in 183 1. About 
the year 1838 or 1839 ne was elected a professor in Ers- 
kine College and was released from his pastoral charge 
to enter upon his new work. He was succeeded by the Rev. 
Joseph McCreary, who was installed sometime in the fall 
of 1839, and continued until the fall of 1843. This same 
year Rev. J. M. Young was installed and this relation 
continued until his death in May, 1867. Rev. J. A. 
Lowry was installed about August of that year and con- 
tinued to labor until his death, April 6, 1898, a period of 
nearly 31 years — a long and useful pastorate. The pres- 
ent pastor, Rev. W. A. Blakely, was installed Dec. 9, 
1899, and labors with great efficiency and acceptance. 
He preaches three-fourths time here, the other pastorate 
receiving the remainder. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Prosperity has had three houses of worship. The first 
was a log house, erected soon after organization and oc- 
cupied for 20 years. The second house was built in 1844, 
and the third was erected in 1871. 

Prosperity has given two ministers to the world, Revs. 
J. W. Moore and J. H. Moore, the former being a great 
uncle of the latter. Rev. J. H. Moore is now pastor of 
the United Presbyterian Church, West Middletown, 
Pennsylvania. While none of her members have attained 
special prominence in the world, yet quite a number have 
been successful and useful in church and community as 
physicians, merchants, farmers and teachers. 

Prosperity is near the center of Fulton Co., in north 
Arkansas. Its first members came from Tennessee and 
Georgia. They were visited by Rev. M. Oates in 1858, 
and by Rev. John Patrick, perhaps at an earlier date. 
The church was organized by Rev. W. S. Moffatt Au- 
gust 12, 1859, with 32 members. W. R. Chesnut and 
W. A. Gault were elected elders. Mr. Moffatt was in- 
stalled pastor the following December. The growth of 
the church was rapid and full of promise. But the peace- 
ful pursuits of religion were much interrupted during 
the turbulent period of civil strife from 1861 to '65. The 
community was repeatedly overrun by the contending 
factions and impoverished by foraging parties. The pas- 
tor, because of these discouragements, left this field in 
1865. He returned in 1867, but the pastoral relation 
was dissolved in May, 1868. They were without 
preaching the two years following except during 
short visits of Revs. M. Oates and J. P. Marion. 
Rev. S. P. Davis supplied them in 1871 and '2. 
His labors were greatly blessed in encouraging and 
building up the church. Rev. J. C. McDonald came 
to them in Nov., 1872, and was installed pastor for half 
time in Oct., 1874. This relation was dissolved in 1876. 
For several years they were almost entirely without 



556 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



preaching, and the cause languished. Revs. W. L. Pat- 
terson, S. P. Davis and D. W. Reid each spent a short 
while among them in '8i to '84. Rev. E. E. Pressly sup- 
plied them in 1885, and Rev. R. E. Patterson in 1886 and 
'7. Rev. W. S. Moffatt began his labors among them 
again in 1888, and continued to supply them half time 
with a few short interruptions until the summer of 1895. 
In 1890 they erected a neat frame house of worship, in- 
stead of the log building they had occupied since the 
church was organized. Rev. M. T. Ellis came to them 
in August, 1895, and the 25th of the following January 
was installed pastor for half time. They had 47 mem- 
bers at that time. Rev. J. S. Moffatt was born in the 
bounds of Prosperity. Rev. S. B. Caughran, a distin- 
guished minister of the M. E. Church South, was a child 
of this congregation. They have S. S. and L. B. Society. 

Prosperity A. R. P. Church, Prosperity, S. C, was 
organized in 1802 with Rev. James Rogers as pastor, 
and James Young, Samuel McQueens and Robert Dren- 
nan elders, and in the same year a suitable house of wor- 
ship was built by James Young and others. In 1816 Rev. 
Charles Strong became pastor and served until his death, 
eight years later, when Rev. S. P. Pressly succeeded 
him. In 1832 Rev. S. P. Pressly, being elected to a pro- 
fessorship in Franklin University at Athens, Ga., — now 
the University of Georgia — the church was without a 
pastor until 1835, when Rev. J. Galloway was called, in- 
stalled and served as pastor for twenty (20) years. In 
the early years of his pastorate a new church building 
was erected. On the fourth Sabbath of February, 1858, 
Rev. J. C. Boyd preached his first sermon at Prosperity 
church, and was ordained at Head Springs, S. C, on the 
first Sabbath of November following. His pastorate in- 
cluded Prosperity, Head Springs and Cannon's Creek, 
and he continued pastor of Prosperity until 1889. 
During his pastorate Abram Moore, James Fair, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Robert Carmichael, George Brown, Dr. Thompson 
Young, Col. William Lester, John B. Fellows. J. 
R. P. Crosson, FI. C. Mosely, J. H. Hunter and 
C. F. Boyd were at various times elders. Of these 
Hunter, Fellows and Mosely only remain, and with 
A. P. Harris constitute the bench of elders. Capt. Mat- 
thew Hall, D. A. A. Kibler and A. P. Dominick were 
made deacons in 1867; of these three only the last men- 
tioned survives. The present diaconate consists of S. S. 
Berp-e, G. D. Brown and A. P. Dominick. 

In 1889 a new and commodious church building was 
erected near the center of town. The old church still 
standing half a mile distant on the outskirts of town. On 
the second Sabbath of July, 1891, Rev. D. G. Phillips 
was installed as pastor and continued to serve until Sept. 
5, 1892. For the next four years the church was supplied 
as follows: Dr. T. W. Sloan, 1893-1894, second and 
fourth Sabbaths; Rev. H. R. McAulay in part 1895- 
1896; Rev. J. B. Hood during the summer of 1896. In 
1896 Rev. A. G. Kirkpatrick accepted a call to the pas- 
torate of the church and remained until Nov. 1, 1900. 

By the request of the congregation Rev. Charles M. 
Boyd preached two and one half months. On April 1, 
1902, a call was made for one half his time. The call 
was accepted and he began his work in November, 1902. 

Prosperity, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, owes her origin, 
about 1788, to the introduction of Watt's Psalms and 
Hymns. Adam Meek, Robt. and James, sons of Henry 
Hunter, James Steele and others had been in connection 
with Poplar Tent, but withdrew because of the aforesaid 
innovation. About this time a godly licentiate journeyed 
this way as the leaves were falling in 1788. Having 
ministered acceptably he was ordained and installed pas- 
tor July 1, 1789. His early and lamented death left them 
destitute. 

Ten acres at seven and a half cents per acre by Gov. 



558 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Dobbs Spaight granted, January 7, 1795, warrant 
entered April 10, 1794, was crowned by a log 
house about 35 by 25 feet. -Near this time came 
Rev. Jas. McKnight, ministering so acceptably that in 
1797 he was installed pastor. This mission of a third of a 
century was a happy one. He kept Martha Hunter one 
hour and five minutes at the bridal altar with Mr. Porter. 
His two sermons a day, each two hours, besides explain- 
ing the Psalms sent home by star light families two miles 
distant. Wm. Wallace, David Galloway, Thomas Hun- 
ter and John Wallace, elders. Rev. McKnight's death, 
Sept. 17, 1 83 1, left a vacancy till 1844, when Revs. J. G. 
Witherspoon, Warren Flenniken, Jas. Walker, David 
Pressly, Dr. Isaac Grier, R. M. Galloway, J. B. Watt, J. 
K. Boyce preached. A frame church was erected in 1842 
and fell under weight of snow storm, Jan. 5, 1877. Their 
next pastor was being licensed at the very meeting, April 
17, 1843, i n which they petitioned for supplies. "And 
it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer ; 
and while they are yet speaking I will hear." Rev. John 
Hunter was ordained and installed July 24, 1844. A 
year of Sabbaths this relation continued, a blessing to 
the church, and was dissolved that Prosperity might have 
more preaching. 

Elders : Abner Hunter, Robt. Hunter, Sr., John Mc- 
Cornel, Jas. Bigham, W. Lee Galloway, Wm. Black, 
Henry Wallace and Gen. Wm. Allen. Rev. R. F. Tay- 
lor succeeded Oct. 19, 1857, and resigned April 20, 1857. 
R. B. Hunter and Daniel McAulay elders. Dr. Alexan- 
der Ranson began a 20 years' pastorate Dec. 11, 1857, 
and added to his session Barnett Dewese, Samuel Garri- 
son, Joseph Hunter, Dixon Ewart, J. C. Bell, J. Mc- 
Knight Hunter and A. J. Hunter. Rev. D. G. Caldwell 
began an official pastorate May 9, 1879, which ended 
April 6, 1885. The present building was begun in 1877 
and completed in 1889. Rev. I. G. McLaughlin and Dr. 
G. R. White supplied till Rev. W. M. Hunter began stated 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



labors Oct. 7, 1888, was installed Nov. 16, 1889, and de- 
mitted Feb. 19, 1896. J. Watson Hunter, R. E. Beard, 
J. G. Mc. Hunter and Silas Garrison elders. Revs. D. 
P. Neill, Jas. Boyce, R. E. Hough have supplied since 
and Rev. T. B. Stewart is present supply. Revs. John 
Hunter, W. M. Hunter and J. M. Garrison are sons of 
Prosperity. Jonathan Reid has been lately added to the 
session. 

Providence, Campbell Co., Ga., on the roll '43. Rev. 
D. C. Haslet pastor April 12, 1844, April 10, 1846. 

Providence, S. C. — Was organized in 1838 by Rev. 
Jas. L. Young, acting under the direction of the Second 
Presbytery. He was the first pastor, but when he was 
called and how long he served is not known. In Nov., 
1 85 1, certificates were given to 13 white^ and three 
colored communicants who were removing to Mississippi. 
Tradition says Rev. Jas. L. Young went with them. 

On May 15th, 1854, Rev. D. F. Haddon became pastor 
over Bethel, Providence and Head Springs, and contin- 
ued for many years. 

Rev. H. Rabb was installed in May, 1896, and demitted 
in 1897. About this time Providence and Head Springs 
withdrew from Bethel and formed a separate pastoral 
charge. On May 19th, 1900, Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco was 
installed pastor, Rev. E. E. McClintock presiding over 
installation exercises. 

Revs. D. F. Haddon and H. Rabb gave one-fourth 
time each to Providence. Rev. Plaxco, present pastor, 
gives one half time. Providence has had three houses of 
worship, but it is not known when first two were erected. 
The present building was put up in 1902. Rev. W. A. 
Blakely was born and baptized in this congregation. 

Providence, Mecklenburg Co., it". C, organized near 
■Presbyterian Church of same name prior to Feb. 24th, 



560 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



1790. The introduction of Watt's version of the Psalms, 
confessedly an imitation and fragmentary, and soon after 
Hymns of human composition was an innovation in the 
Presbyterian Church. Many could not see their way 
"clear to have the uninspired supplant the inspired." This 
new departure strengthened if it did not originate the 
above congregation. They received occasional supplies 
from Revs. James Rogers, John Boyse, Peter McMullen. 
Their first pastor was Rev. Isaac Grier, ordained and 
installed Oct. 19, 1804. He retained this pastorate till 
181 5. Some time after this they passed under the super- 
vision of the Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas and 
were supplied till about 1827. At that time or soon after 
it is supposed the remaining members became a part of 
Sardis. 

Providence, Laurens Co., S. C, organized about 1836. 
Rev. J. L. Young was installed in the fall of 1836, and 
remained till the fall of 185 1. In 1853 there were 31 
members. 

Rev. D. F. Haddon was installed May 15, 1854, and 
continued till end of 1892, though he supplied a short 
time both before and after installation, rounding out 
some 42 years. Messrs. David Blakely, J. C. Todd, H. J. 

Bryson and Boozer were elders, also Robt. 

Sloan. Rev. Horace Rabb was installed pastor March 
20, 1896, and demitted Sept. 18, 1897. In 1899 Head 
Springs and Providence , Laurens Co., were severed from 
Bethel and called Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco, 1900. About 
this time, having long worshipped near Clinton, a lot was 
bought and a house was built in the city. 

Quincy, Gadsden Co., Fla., organized by Georgia Pres- 
bytery, 1853, Rev - Wm. Blackstock in 1828, by order of 
Synod, made a tour in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee. 
This place was visited May and June, '37, by Rev. Joseph 
McCreary and by Rev. J. S. Pressly, first Sabbath, Jan., 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 561 



'42. Doubtless supplied in the fifties by Rev. A. McElroy 
and for want of an under shepherd passed from our roll 
with a number of small vacancies which the zeal of our 
fathers had planted in that section. 

Rehoboth, Fayette Co., Tenn., was cultivated for a 
number of years as a preaching point, chiefly by Rev.J.L. 
McDaniel, and was by him organized into a congregation 
of ten (10) members, Mr. Stafford being elected and 
ordained an elder. This action, presumably taken during 
the summer of 1885, was reported to Presbytery the fol- 
lowing Sept. 4th. Occasional supplies were sent there 
during the years following, but on May 2, 1901, Rehoboth 
was dropped from the Roll of Presbytery, it having been 
informed that the members had gone into the Presbyte- 
rian Church. 

Richland, in Navarro Co., Texas, was one of Rev. T. 
J. Bonner's places of preaching previous to 1875. That 
year Rev. W. L. Patterson began preaching here half 
his time. These two brethren organized Richland 
church Sept. 1, 1876, with 13 members. R. S. 
Davidson, Wirt Robinson and D. J. Johnston were or- 
dained elders. They built a house of worship in 
1877, Rev. W. L. Patterson supplied them half time 
till October, 1880. Rev. W. H. Millen till October, 
1882: Rev. D. Pressly and others till October, 1884. 
Rev. W. L. Patterson then took up the work again 
and was installed pastor of Harmony and Richland 
in Sept., 1885. They had 61 members at that time. This 
was a prosperous period in the history of the church. 
Valuable additions were received from Arkansas, South 
Carolina and elsewhere and the spirit of harmony pre- 
vailed. In 1897 they reported 79 members. That year 
the pastor, on account of afflictions, deemed it necessary 
to give up the charge, and the relation was dissolved in 
Nov. Rev. J. R. McCormick came very soon to take up 
36 



562 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



the work and was installed for half time April 15, 1899. 
Richland has suffered heavy losses from removals — 14 
members having moved to Hermon, and 14 to Corsicana, 
including several elders and deacons. But there has been 
a steady gain in members, there being 88 in 1902. Rev. 
L. I. Echols was a member of this congregation when he 
was licensed. They maintain a S. S., a L. B. Soc, and 
a Y. P. C. U. 

. .Richland, Shelby Co, Term., is located about twenty- 
five miles northeast of Memphis, and about six miles 
from Brunswick, on the L. & N., and Tipton on the I. 
C. R. R. The little village of Rosemark, gathered about 
the church, is of very recent growth. The name, Rich- 
land, was no doubt given to the church from the charac- 
ter of the soil in that section, it being one of the finest 
farming sections of west Tennessee. The country is 
level, the people thrifty and withal it is a desirable com- 
munity in which to live. 

The date of organization cannot be positively ascer- 
tained. It seems that Rev. J. H. Strong was directed by 
the Memphis Presbytery in the fall of 1866 to effect the 
organization, and that in September, 1867, Bro. Strong 
reports the order obeyed. It is supposed the organiza- 
tion was accomplished in 1867, previous to September 
of that year, though the exact date is not known. There 
had been preaching in this community for ten years or 
more previous to this time, first by Rev. John Wilson, 
and then by Rev. J. H. Strong, each of whom was at the 
time of his service the pastor of Salem church in Tipton 
Co., about seven miles away. Rev. J. L. McDaniel also 
preached some here about this time^ The preaching was 
held first in the house of Robt. McCalla, and then in 
the school house at the crossing of the roads, where the 
church was afterwards erected. The Rev. J. H. Strong 
continued as chief supply to the organization for about 
one year. On August 29, 1868, the Rev. H. L. Murphy 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 563 



was installed as their first pastor and this relation con- 
tinued until Sept. 9th, 1871, when it was dissolved by 
mutual consent. For nearly three years the pulpit was 
vacant, and was supplied by various persons. On Satur- 
day before the second Sabbath of June, 1874, Rev. D. 
W. Reid was installed pastor and this relation was con- 
tinued until April 29th, 1874, when it was dissolved. 
The congregation remained a vacancy for eight years. 
Rev. H. Rabb was installed pastor December 8th, 1882, 
and for 13 years served faithfully and acceptably. He 
demitted this pastorate in December, 1895. It is proper 
to state that during this period the church took on new 
life and grew in numbers and efficiency. At first only a 
part of the pastor's time was taken, but later he devoted 
his whole time to this field. Not a little is due under 
God to his untiring zeal to build up the kingdom in that 
community. Within less than a year a pastoral settle- 
ment was effected and the Rev. W. H. Millen was in- 
stalled October 17th, 1896. This relation happily con- 
tinues to the present day. The congregation is in excel- 
lent condition and continues to grow and develop. It 
now numbers 171 members, active and zealous in every 
good work. Under the efficient leadership of the devoted 
pastor God has greatly blessed the church, and its work 
in that community. 

This congregation has had but one house of worship, 
presumably erected not long after the organization. But 
in 1900 and 1901 this house was remodeled at considera- 
ble cost, and is now a neat and attractive building, well 
adapted to the needs of the congregation. 

Rives, Tenn.j located in the town of that name, is in the 
eastern part of Obion Co., at the junction of the Mobile 
& Ohio, and the 111. Cent. Railroads. 

The organization of this congregation took place at 
Pleasant Hill, two miles west, Nov. 18, 1882, with 
members. In 1887 the congregation built a church ii 



564 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rives and the organization was removed to this place. 
The church at Rives was dedicated Jan. 8, 1888, Rev. 
J. P. Weed preaching the sermon. Rev. T. P. Pressly, 
who organized the church, continued in charge, preaching 
monthly until Rives and Polk were united in a pastoral 
charge, and Rev. E. P. Lindsay of Tennessee and Alaba- 
ma Presbytery was sent by Synod as stated supply. He 
began his labors Jan. 1st, 1902, was returned again for 
the year 1903, and accepted a call to the pastorate of 
Rives and Polk June 30, 1903. 

The following elders have served the congregation 
since organization in addition to those elected at the 
time of organization : Joseph F. Harper, E. B. Chester, 
Robert Hamilton, Luther G. Moffatt. 

During the present year, 1903, the congregation has 
been remodeling and repairing their church building. 

Roach's, West Virginia. — Rev. J. A. Myers 

began preaching here in the summer of 1870 and was 
installed pastor in the spring of 1871. 

Rock Hill, S. C— In July, 1895, Mr. A. S. Rogers, 
then a student in Erskine Seminary, was sent to Rock 
Hill, S. C, by the Board of Home Missions, to open a 
mission in that city. He found sixteen members of the 
A. R. P. Church there, and commenced work. Armory 
Hall was rented and the first service was held July 7th. 
The attendance and outlook was encouraging from the 
beginning, and at a meeting of the First Presbytery, 
held at Clover, S. C, Sept. 30th of the same year, the 
Presbytery appointed a commission to organize a church 
there, and also appointed a committee consisting of Revs. 
Oliver Johnson, C. E. McDonald and Hon. D. E. Finley 
to co-operate with a committee of the congregation in 
raising funds and in building a house of worship. On 
Nov. 19th, 1895, Revs. J. S. Moffatt, J. T. Chalmers and 
elders Joseph Wylie and Matthew White organized a 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 565 




ROCK HILL, S. C. 



church of twenty-six members with W. F. Strait, M. D., 
R. T. Wright and J. M. Lauridge, elders, and L. Black 
and J. L. White deacons. At the close of the Seminary 
in June, 1896, Rev. A. S. Rogers, who had completed 
the course, and been licensed at the spring meeting, was 
returned to Rock Hill, and appointed to the field for a 
term of five years. Mr. Rogers canvassed the church for 
funds to erect a building, and was successful in raising 
them. The present beautiful and commodious building 
was begun in 1897, and completed in 1898. The build- 
ing is of pressed brick, with granite trimmings, and fine 
architectural effects. It has had a steady and rapid 
growth, and now has about one hundred and fifty mem- 
bers, and bids fair to become one of our strongest 
churches. On Dec. 19th, 1901, Rev. A. S. Rogers was 
installed as pastor, and continues until the present time. 

Rocky Springs, Alexander Co., N. C. — Revs. Jas. Mar- 
tin, Andrew Patton, Wm. Marshall and Dr. Clark visited 
the Associates in this region 1776-1779. Later Dr. Clark 



566 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



and Rev. John Jamieson and others doubtless preached 
on journeys South. 

The Second Presbytery at Sharon, S. C, April 15, 
1802, was petitioned for supplies and a moderation with 
a view to call Rev. Jas. McAulay. While he supplied 
awhile this relation was not formed. The church was 
organized before Feb., 1790, Jas. White and John Elliot 
of New Stirling emigrated from Ireland with Rev. Wm. 
Blackstock in the "Irish Volunteer" and landed at 
Charleston, S. C, 1792, a Christmas gift to A. R. 
Church. He became stated supply here and New Stir- 
ling and New Perth 1804-1811, thus joining his sea- 
mates in the spiritual voyage. There were 40 families 
in 1803. The church was located near the Methodist 
Campground of the same name. About the time Rev. 
Blackstock retired the Associate Presbytery, under the 
once magnetic Mushat, gathered all the Psalm-singers 
in that region under her fold, and a part at least of her 
membership reappeared in Virgin Spring. 

Russell's Valley, Franklin Co., Ala., appears as a va- 
cancy of the Second Presbytery in 1830. On fourth 
Sabbath of May, 1837, Rev. J. N. Pressly preached and 
catechised at John Hamilton's, and on Friday and the 
next Sabbath at Mr. Ray's. "A respectable, destitute 
vacancy, abundantly able for half support and anxious 
for the Word." Rev. Ralston preached two Sabbaths 
and three week-days in the winter of 1837, and reports 
"some have left their first love and some holding fast 
the crown." Rev. Jas. P. Pressly preached third and 
fourth Sabbaths, June, 1838, Rev. R. C. Grier third 
Sabbath, June, 1840, and Rev. David Pressly two Sab- 
baths in 1842. It has long since disappeared from roll. 

Russellville, Ark. — The church at this place was or- 
ganized April 21, 1893, by Rev. W. W. Orr, assisted by 
Rev. M. Oates and the Pottsville Session. Seventeen 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 567 



members were enrolled, 13 of whom were from Potts- 
ville and two from Old Providence, Va. C. D. Rowan 
and R. M. Oates were elected and ordained elders. Three 
deacons were also elected and ordained. Immediate 
steps were taken to secure a lot and build a house. A 
convenient and attractive church was completed and oc- 
cupied in July, 1894. Up to this time they occupied a 
rented room in the Masonic Hall. The new church cost 
$2500. Rev. J. A. Smith supplied them half time during 
the summer of 1893. They were supplied by Rev. J. M. 
White in 1894, by Rev. O. Y. Bonner the first six months 
of 1895 and Rev. M. T. Ellis two months the following 
winter. Rev. J. C. Douglass came in July, 1896, and was 
installed pastor for three-fourths time in November fol- 
lowing. There were 23 members at this time. The 
church prospered during this pastorate, which continued 
until the death of Mr. Douglass, June 14, 1900. There 
were 40 members at that time. They were without reg- 
ular preaching then until the arrival of Rev. J. A. Smith, 
who came and was installed pastor in April, 1902. About 
that time they completed a parsonage at a cost of $1,250. 
The session consisted of the same members as when 
first organized with the addition of J. N. Ross. The 
church still continues to prosper, having now 60 mem- 
bers, a good S. S. and Ladies' Society, and Y. P. C. U. 

Salem, Covington Co., Ala., appears as a vacancy of the 
Second Presbytery in 1830. Three years before, in 1827, 
it was organized under the inspiration of Wm. J. Mitchell, 
"a burning and shining light." So far as known it never 
had a pastor. Rev. Thomas Turner preached there in 
Dec, 1835, and reported nine members, and $14.00 con- 
tributed. Rev. Jas. McCreary gave them first and second 
Sabbath of January, 1838, and the following year dis- 
pensed the sacraments, and ordained two ruling elders. 
Rev. J. M. Young gave two Sabbaths in spring of 1842, 
Rev. Jno. Miller two Sabbaths in 1846 and same year 



568 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. J. I. Bonner one Sabbath. It is now supplied by the 
Tennessee and Alabama Presbytery. 

Salem, Knox Co., Tenn. — A considerable number of 
Associate Presbyterians settled in Bount and Knox Coun- 
ties, Tenn., and were visited by Rev. Robt. Armstrong 
1799. Rev. James Kennedy came from Ireland, 1796, 
and after laboring mostly in east Tennessee awhile was 
ordained by the Associate Presbytery of Kentucky and 
installed pastor of Salem and connections, 1807, and re- 
mained to April 24, 1826. Organized 1800 there was 
need in some 50 years of a change of location. The 
widow of Rev. Kennedy gave $200, and his son 
James, a pillar, and an elder $200, and the present house 
was built in 1854. From Rev. Kennedy's death it was 
vacant and supplied by the Miami Presbytery, possibly by 
Rev. David Carson, a pastor in Blount Co., '24-34, and 
Rev. Thomas S. Kendall, his successor, '34-42. 

In '40 they, with the Blount churches, for a year's sup- 
ply Revs. Wm. Smith, John Bryan and D. H. A. Mc- 
Lean were sent. During this period they averaged about 
40 members, and half that number of families. In 1844 
the Associate churches in the South came into our Synod. 
Rev. John Patrick found some 20 or 30 families. Rev. 
A. Ranson preached with great encouragement '52. Rev. 
R. F. Taylor went there under contract to teach and 
preach early in '57 to spring of '59, when he joined the 
Presbyterian Church. After the war they received oc- 
casional visits. Rev. J. S. Mills spent the larger part 
Synodical years ys~77- Passed from roll about '79. 

Salem, Tipton Co., Tenn., is 11 miles southwest of 
Covington, and about 32 miles northeast of Memphis. 

About 1830 Mr. Gardiner Miller and family of Fair- 
field Co., S. C, came to Tipton Co., the first Associate 
Reformed family, so far as known, to settle in this part of 
the State. Probably in 183 1 Mr. William Simonton, an 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 569 



elder of Hopewell, Chester Co., S. C, came to Tipton 
Co., and located, adjoining Mr. Miller. He was 
a man "of sterling character, strong in the faith 
and devotedly attached to the doctrines and prin- 
ciples of his church." These pious parents reared 
a large family, all of whom became identified with 
the church. One son, Hon. Chas. B. Simonton, is 
a member of the Session, was a gallant Confederate sol- 
dier, is a successful lawyer, and worthily served in both 
the State and National Legislatures. This was in the 
early days of the country, there being but few settlements 
and an almost unbroken forest. Miller and Simonton 
settled a few miles south of the site of old Poterville, 
and not far from where the church now is. They were 
followed in 1832 and 1833 by other pious families of the 
Associate Reformed faith, mainly from South Carolina. 
Among them Abner Mathews, Lusk Davis, H. J. McCain, 
Dr. John Cooper, John Irwin and Alexander Moore. 

On Jan. 28, 1835, a meeting was held at Mr. Mathews 
and steps were taken to secure preaching and the organi- 
zation of a church. Accordingly in the following sum- 
mer a "commodious log house" was built on a lot of four 
acres of land donated by Mr. Mathews and deeded to 
"Salem congregation." In the early summer Mr. J. 
Galloway preached the first sermon by an A. R. P. min- 
ister in this section in a school house. He also preached 
in a grove near where the church was built. 

In June of this year Rev. John Wilson preached here 
for awhile, and was returned by the Synod in the fall 
of 1835. On the 19th of June, 1836, the congregation of 
Salem was organized by Rev. Henry Bryson, D. D., 53 
names were enrolled, William Simonton and John Erwin 
chosen elders, the latter from Sardis, N. C. W. R. Mc- 
Cain was ordained to this office at this time. 

Rev. John Wilson was installed pastor April 19, 1837, 
of Salem and Sardis in Fayette Co., Tenn. The latter 
was probably demitted in 1842. He continued as pastor 



57o 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



of Salem until the fall of 1865, when he demitted. "On 
the last Wednesday of 1861," at the suggestion of Mr. 
Wilson, the congregation agreed to call a co-pastor. In 
obedience to this call Rev. J. H. Strong, then pastor of 
Shiloh, Lafayette Co., Miss., came to Salem in February, 
1862. After the dissolution of the pastoral relation be- 
tween Rev. Wilson and the congregation, Mr. Strong 
was unanimously called to the pastorate and was installed 
September, 1866, Rev. J. L. Young preached the sermon 
and Rev. Wilson propounded the questions and addressed 
pastor and people. This pastorate happily continued un- 
til his death, August 18, 1891. During these pastorates 
the congregation grew rapidly. In i860 it reported 325 
members and 125 families. At the time Rev. Strong 
became pastor 350 members are reported. Preaching 
points had been established at Bloomington, at Richland, 
and in the "Flat Woods." Bloomington was organized in 
1861, and remained in connection with Salem till 1868, 
becoming a separate organization with Rev. H. L. Mur- 
phy as pastor. 

Richland was organized in 1867. Mt. Paran, another 
off-shoot of Salem, was organized in 1881. In 1855 a 
number of families removed from Salem to Drew Co., 
Ark., and were organized into a congregation at Monti- 
cello. Recently a church building was erected by W. H. 
Dunlap in the southeastern part of the congregation and 
called Sharon. Though not a separate organization, the 
pastor preaches here regularly Sabbath afternoons. It 
may be added that the larger portion of those entering 
the organization of the Covington Church were from 
Salem. Thus she is entitled to be called the "mother 
of churches." 

The year 1885 is noted as a "remarkable" one. A re- 
vival lasting two weeks resulted in 40 accessions, mostly 
from "the ranks of the youth." About 1891 there was 
another revival resulting, we believe, in a larger addition 
to the church. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Salem is not noted for changes. It has had but three 
pastors and two church buildings. The present building 
replaced the log house in 1845. It has not been materially 
changed since its erection, save the addition of a primary 
Sabbath School and Session Room. It is a wide-awake, 
progressive and active congregation. 

The present pastor, the Rev. T. G. Boyce, D. D., was 
installed March 3, 1893. The membership is now about 
350, and the congregation is well organized and doing 
effective service. 

Salem has furnished the following ministers to the A. 
R. P. Church : T. D. Davis, J. N. McCain, H. L. Mur- 
phy, J. G. Millen, W. A. Wilson, J. H. Strong, J. P. Er- 
win, J. W. Baird, J. W. McCain, E. E. Strong, R. W. 
McDaniel. 

Saline, Ark. — Some members of Monticello church, 
seven to eleven miles to the west in Saline Township, 
petitioned the Arkansas Presbytery for a separate organi- 
zation August 31, 1 86 1. The petition was granted, and 
Rev. J. M. Brown appointed to carry out the order. This 
he did Saturday before the third Sabbath in October, the 
same year. Twenty-three members were enrolled, and J. 
W. McKinstry, W. A. Nelson and R. G. Davis elected 
elders. A log house was built which served as a place of 
worship until the latter part of 1873, when they occupied 
a neat, new frame building completed at a cost of about 
$1200. They formed part of Rev. J. A. Dickson's charge 
until 1866. Rev. J. M. Brown supplied them in 1867. 
Rev. John Wilson from 1868 to '73. Rev. J. S. A. Hun- 
ter in 1874. Rev. W. A. Wilson in 1875 and 6. Rev. H. 
M. Henry in 1877 and '8. Rev. J. L. Young in 1879 and 
'80. He was installed pastor May 1, 1881, for half time. 
They had 50 members at that time. This was a period of 
healthy growth in the church. This pastoral relation was 
dissolved in 1895. The church had then 91 members. 
Revs. T. B. Stewart and S. J. Patterson supplied them 



572 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



during the next three years. Rev. J. W. McCain began 
his labors at Saline in 1899 and was installed pastor for 
half time in June, 1901. The church is well organized 
and occupies an important position for aggressive work. 
Beauvoir College is in its bounds and is controlled by 
one of its members, Prof. J. L. Spence. The church has 
96 members. The first deacons were ordained in 1875. 

Sardis, Benton Co., Ala., was organized by the Geor- 
gia Presbytery August 25, 1838. Rev. David C. Haslet 
was pastor from 1838 to 1842. Rev. J. N. Pressly in vi- 
cinity of Jacksonville, Benton, now Calhoun, Co., visited 
a small vacancy of five or six families early in summer 
of 1837. They were able and anxious to support the 
Gospel. Rev. Turner gave two Sabbaths in 1838. On 
April 1, he dispensed the sacrament to seven members 
and ordained Wm. Moffatt and Michael Baker as ruling 
elders, August 25, 1838. Rev. L. McDonald preached 
two days in Jan., 1837, and also '39. Dr. R. C. Grier 
preached in 1840. Rev. D. C. Haslet six Sabbaths in 
1841. Rev. Turner preached in '41 and Rev. Haslet also 
the same year. 

Sardis, C. Del Maiz, Mexico — Rev. J. S. A. Hunter, 
under appointment reached here April 6, 1889, and rent- 
ed dwellings in which both to live and preach. The 
Lord's supper was dispensed the first June 22, 1890. 
Only five communed, Revs. Hunter, Pedro Trujillo and 
Mrs. Hunter of blessed memory and their two daughters, 
Misses Ximena and Katrina. Feb. 22, 1891, twelve 
Mexicans were baptised — first fruits — two of these be- 
came ministers. On the 25th two ruling elders were 
elected and ordained. March 1 a house and lot was 
bought on Inclependencia St., No. 13, in the year 1893, 
which, after repairs, served as a home for the missionary 
and also a church. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 573 



A handsome 
church on another 
lot was dedicated 
Dec. 12, 1896, 
now valued at $7,- 
000. School prop- 
erty valued at $1,- 
000 was bought 
next year, while 
the parsonage is 
estimated at $1,- 
000. Eighty-thred 
have been received 
as members and 
baptized, as also 
twenty-three chil- 
dren. During the 
past six years this 
congregation has 

contributed $1,167.40. There are now 15 families and 15 
communicants. Miss Lavinia Neel is the faithful teacher 
in the school and helper in the work. The mission sus- 
tained a great loss in the death of Mrs. Hunter. The 
Lord has blessed this w r ork as a light in a dark place. 

Sardis, Mecklenburg Co., N. C, was on the roll Feb. 
24, 1790. The families composing the congregation at 
this early day were the Boyces, Blacks, Kirpatricks, Ir- 
wins, Wallaces and others. They were supplied with 
preaching occasionally by Messrs Blackstocks, McAulay, 
Hemphill, McGill, McKnight, John Boyse, Porter and 
Grier. Rev. Isaac Grier was ordained and installed 
pastor by the Second Presbytery Oct. 19th, 1804. "Mr. 
Magill preached the sermon and Mr. Irwin laid on the 
obligations." Some of the earliest elders were John 
Black, Sen., James Boyce, Jr., Thomas Kirkpatrick and 
James Irwin. In 1809 W. Wallace and John Black, Jr., 





SARDIS, N. C. 



were ordained. Later on John Wilson, John Grier, 
Hugh Kirkpatrick, Sen., Wm. Black, John Boyce, John 
Witherspoon, Samuel Boyce, Alex. Nesbit, John Walker 
and John Irwin. Dr. Grier after a long and faithful 
pastorate through the most trying period of our history 
demitted because of age and infirmity Oct. 5th, 1842. 
By his untiring energy and liberality Union Academy 
was founded and maintained. A successful school was 
taught there for a number of years by Rev. James Walker 
of Pennsylvania and Rev. R. C. Grier. Many young men 
thereby had the only facilities possible for culture brought 
to their doors and quite a number encouraged to enter 
the holy ministry. Their next pastor was the brilliant 
and magnetic J. B. Watt, ordained and installed Nov. 6, 
1844. During this pastorate Messrs. Richard Peoples, 
Lorenzo Hunter and Hugh Kirkpatrick, Matthew B. 
Wallace, James Hood and Arthur Grier were ordained 
ruling elders and Samuel Wallace and James Wallace 
deacons. He demitted Oct. 9th, 1850. Another young 
Timothy licensed the preceding year, Rev. J. M. Walker, 
a son of this congregation, was ordained and installed 
pastor May 9th, 185 1, for whole time. His ministry that 
was abundantly blessed added the following- elders : 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Hugh Boyce, Eli Griffith, A. G. Reid and Joseph Irwin. 
His resignation followed, Sept. 7, 1857, close on the heels 
of so much promise and he joined the General Assembly 
Presbyterian Church. Jan. 11, 1859, they saw another 
pastor, Rev. John Hunter, installed. By his energy, at- 
tractive preaching, happy pastoral visitation he regained 
much of the lost ground and revived their drooping 
spirits. The bench of elders was increased by adding 
Messrs. J. R. Hood, R. R. Peoples, S. C. Reid and I. N. 
Wallace as the board of deacons by Messrs. J. R. Hood, 
J. W. Hunter, T. M. Shaw, T. N. McAll, John Randolph 
and J. W. Hood. Being stricken in the pulpit at Thya- 
tira, a branch of Sardis, in March, 1886, the first time 
the pulpit had been occupied, he demitted his charge 
August 31, 1886. During his pastorate Sardis built a 
large and commodious house, maintaining also a part of 
the time a classical school hard by her sacred courts. 

Rev. R. G. Miller, D. D., was installed May 13, 1887. 
The congregation reached its high water mark in mem- 
bers, 245, about 1895. This was afterwards decreased by 
a considerable number removing to Charlotte and 45 go- 
ing into the organization of Thyatira in 1900. During 
this last pastorate Dr. L. W. Hunter, R. W. Irwin, W. 
H. Hunter, J. W. Hood, John Randolph, M. Lee Hunter 
and J. W. Miller were ordained to the eldership and 
Messrs. A. B. Hood, A. P. Nesbit, D. M. Austin, W. G. 
McLaughlin, A. M. Wallace, J. N. Lee, W. S. Pharr and 
Charles McGinnis to the diaconate. Sardis has always 
been liberal and loyal to her denomination, a source of 
light and an example of consistency and fidelity to his- 
toric Presbyterianism in south Mecklenburg. As Vir- 
ginia is called the Mother of Presidents so she may be 
called the mother of preachers, viz., James Boyce, his 
foot in the stirrup for Allegheny Seminary to finish, called 
back to a sudden attack of his mother, detained a few 
days, took fever and died, Warren Flanniken, James 
Boyce, D. D., J. G. Witherspoon, J. K. Boyce, I. G. Mc- 



576 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Laughlin, E. E. Boyce, D. D., S. C. Boyce, R. L. Grier, 
J. M. Walker, J. H. Peoples, David Kerr, James S. Hun- 
ter, L. G. Boyce, J. B. Hood, W. S. Boyce and R. B. 
Miller. 

Sardis, Union Co., S. C, was an Associate Church, 
appearing on the roll of the Presbytery of the Carolinas 
in 1819, and was supplied as a vacancy by that Presby- 
tery. It united with Nob Creek and Bethany in a call 
for Rev. Joseph Banks in 1830, who remained until the 
fall of 1833. 

It came into the A. R. Church at the union of 1844, 
and Rev. James R. Castles was ordained and installed 
pastor July nth, 1851, in connection with Smyrna. In 
Dec, i860, Sardis was disorganized and became a 
part of Smyrna. 

Sardis, Fayette Co., Tenn., was a charter member of 
the Memphis Presbytery. It was supplied for awhile 
after this time occasionally by the Presbytery, but after 
a time this was discontinued and it is supposed that it 
did not long continue as an organization. It was orig- 
inally a part of the pastorate charge of Rev. John Wilson, 
and in 1848 was supplied by Rev. E. E. Boyce, D. D. 

Sardis, Obion Co., Tenn. — Nothing is known of this 
place, where it was or who preached there. But it is 
supposed that it was only a place for occasional preach- 
ing services. 

Shady Grove, in Cleveland Co., Ark., was organized 
by Rev. J. P. Marion August, 1872, in a small log 
church about half a mile from where their church now 
stands. Twelve names were enrolled. W. T. Carmi- 
chael, lately from White Oak, Ga., and W. H. Ware, 
were elected elders. They soon began work on a commo- 
dious frame house of worship, which was completed ten 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



years later. Mr. Marion supplied them half time until 
the close of 1875. In doing so he submitted to great 
hardships. The church was small, and he received no 
supplement from Synod. He supported his family chief- 
ly by cultivating the soil. They were supplied by Rev. J. 
L. Young in 1876. Rev. H. M. Henry in 1877. Rev. 
J. S. A. Hunter in 1878 and 9. A call was presented to 
Mr. Hunter in 1879 for half his time. Twenty names 
were signed to it. He was installed Nov. 28, 1879. The 
faithful pastor met many and formidable difficulties — 
vexatious cases of discipline and bitter opposition from 
without. But the church increased in members and in- 
fluence. His pastorate terminated with Dec, 1887, when 
he went to Mexico as a foreign missionary. Rev. T. 
G. Boyce came to them in July, 1888, and was installed 
pastor in Dec. There were 42 names on the church roll 
at that time. This was a happy pastorate and prosperous 
period in the history of the church. In Feb., 1893, when 
the relation was dissolved the church had 64 members. 
That year Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco supplied them. Rev. 
T. B. Stewart was pastor from May, 1894, till Oct., 1899. 
The church was suffering losses from removals, and 
its forces weakened by death. They were supplied half 
time by Rev. A. H. Griffith in 1900, one-fourth time by 
Rev. J. L. Young in 1901 and 2, and half time by Rev. 
E. B. Anderson in 1903. They began holding regular 
services in 1901 at New Edinburg, a railroad station 
five miles northwest from the church. Shady Grove has 
a S. S. and L. B. Society. 

Sharon, S. C, — Sharon church is situated in the wes- 
tern part of York Co., S. C., and was organized by Rev. 
James Rogers in the summer of 1796. Its origin is due 
to the introduction of Watt's Hymns into Bullock's Creek 
and Beersheba Presbyterian churches. Owing to this in- 
novation, a number of families left these churches and 
were organized into an Associate Reformed Church. In 
37 



578 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



the winter of 1796 Sharon united with Bethany in the 
northern part of the county and Carmel in the southern 
part of the county in a call to Rev. William Dixon, re- 
cently came from Scotland. This call he accepted, and 
he was ordained and installed at Sharon June 5th, 1797. 

About 1804 or I 8o5 Mr. Dixon, the pastor of Sharon, 
and Rev. Peter McMullen, withdrew from the Associate 
Reformed Church, owing to the position of the Church 
on frequent communion, and the dispensing with days of 
lasting and thanksgiving in connection with the sacra- 
ment, and Sharon went with its pastor. 

Very soon after, probably in 1805, this church and 
some others were organized into the Associate Presbytery 
of the Carolinas. Mr. Dixon continued to be pastor un- 
til 1824 or 1825. 

In 1826 it united with Tirzah and Carmel in a call to 
Rev. Wm. M. McElwee, which he accepted, and was 
installed in April, 1827, and continued pastor until 1832. 
During the latter part of his pastorate the church was 
much vexed and torn by the controversy on slavery 
and Free Masonry, and Air. McElwee, feeling that his 
ministry here was unfruitful, demitted his charges and 
removed to Pennsylvania, and became a minister of the 
U. P. Church, where he died a few years ago. 

About 1835 Sharon was again organized into an A. 
R. Church, tradition says by Rev. Thos. Ketchin, who 
had recently come over from the Associate Church. The 
church was supplied with preaching by various ministers 
until Rev. R. A. Ross was called by Sharon, in connec- 
tion with Smyrna and Olivet, both in York Co. He was 
ordained and installed in Dec, 1843, and continued pas- 
tor until 1893. This was a long and remarkable pastorate 
of fifty years. 

The Synod met with this church in Oct., 1893, and 
joined with the congregation in celebrating with appro- 
priate exercises the semi-centennial of this long and use- 
ful pastorate. Dr. Ross was too feeble to attend these 
exercises, and died shortly after, on Nov. 25th, 1893. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The congregation was vacant until 1896, being supplied 
principally by Revs. W. S. Castles, W. A. M. Plaxco 
and J. E. Johnson. 

On July 23rd, 1896, Rev. J. S. Grier was installed, 
and continues pastor at the present time. The session 
of Sharon, at the present time, consists of Samuel Blair, 
J. P. Blair, R. A. Gilfillan, W. M. Ross, W. S. Love, R. 
H. G. Caldwell, S. A. Mitchell, J. H. Shever, S. A. Gil- 
fillan, W. A. Maloney and J. L. Rainey. 

Shiloh, Lafayette Co., Miss. — Was a charter member 
of the Memphis Presbytery. An organization had been 
effected prior to 1853, the exact date of which is not re- 
corded. It was supplied occasionally with preaching un- 
til Rev. J. H. Strong was installed pastor Nov. 20, 1857. 
This relation continued until April 23, 1864, when it was 
dissolved, the congregation having become too weak 
from removals to sustain a pastor, and the Civil War 
having deranged everything. Rev. Calvin Pressly was 
pastor from 1872 to May 2, 1879. Thence it was sup- 
plied at irregular intervals until recent years, when ser- 
vices were practically discontinued. The Presbytery, on 
request of the few surviving members, authorized the 
selling of the old house of worship, the proceeds to be 
used on the graveyard. Shiloh was at one time a large 
and promising congregation. There were some strong 
Christian characters among its membership. But the tide 
of emigration was insurmountable and to-day Shiloh 
is but a memory. A few families still remain true to 
the faith of the fathers. But her work abides in other 
congregations built up and strengthened by the deple- 
tion of her own ranks. 

Shelby, or Shelbyville, Ky. — The name occurs on the 
minutes of the A. R. Presbytery of Kentucky, in 1802. 
The name of Revs. David Risk, W. H. Rainey, Abra- 
ham Craig, James McChord and others, appear as hav- 



580 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



ing supplied the church at intervals, for a number of 
years. 

It was embraced in the A. R. Presbytery of Kentucky, 
Synod of the South, at its organization, Dec. 16, 1842 ; 
Rev. N. M. Gordon was installed pastor Aug. 16th, 1843. 
Asked to be released May 8, 1846, but Presbytery de- 
clined. He continued as pastor until October 13, 1870. 
The case of W. C. Drake sending his children to a Cath- 
olic school was brought before the Presbytery in 1849. 
Mr. Drake withdrew the children from the school. The 
work was abandoned in 1870, when Mr. Gordon changed 
his church connection to the Southern Presbyterian 
Church. The Presbytery appointed a Committee to dis- 
pose of the property. In 1873 (Oct. 22), they reported 
that the lot was occupied in part by an old cemetery, 
fenced on three sides by a stone wall, and that the en- 
tire lot was grown up in weeds and bushes. 

Aug. 31, 1877, Committee had made no disposition of 
it, but was discharged, and the matter dropped. 

At present the Carnegie Public Library building oc- 
cupies part of the lot. 

Rev. John W. Finley was born in this congregation, 
though his parents removed at an early day to Mt. Zion, 
Mo. 

Shiloh, Anderson Co., S. C. — Organized in the thirties. 
Rev. J. C. Chalmers became pastor May, 1840, having 
supplied them some time before. The congregation 
ceased to exist by emigrating almost in a body in the 
fall of 1844 to, and formed, Hopewell church, Union Co., 
Miss. 

Shiloh, Lancaster Co., S. C. — Shiloh church is situated 
about three miles from the town of Lancaster, in Lan- 
caster Co., S. C. It is probable that it was organized 
about 1802, as the date on the oldest tombstone in the 
graveyard shows that the death occurred in 1802. It was 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



formed by a division of Old Waxhaw and became an 
Associate Church. In 1811, it united with Neely's Creek, 
and Big Spring, in Chester Co., in a call to Rev. Mushat, 
which he declined. The first deed of land, of which any 
record can be found, is dated Oct. 5th, 182 1. This was 
a deed from John Craig to the Waxhaw Associate 
Church, known by the name of Shiloh church. 

It was supplied with preaching by the Associate Pres- 
bytery of the Carolinas. Rev. Thos. Ketchin was pastor 
from Dec, 1821, until May 29th, 1839. He died Sept. 
26th, 1855, and was first buried at Nob Creek, and his 
remains were afterwards taken to Shiloh. This congre- 
gation, with its pastor, Mr. Ketchin, declined the author- 
ity of the Associate Church March 28th, 1832, and were 
received by the First Presbytery of the Associate Re- 
formed Church, April 7th, 1834. 

Rev. S. C. Millen was pastor from Nov. 17th, 1841, to 
Oct. 4th, 1845. Rev. D. P. Robinson was pastor from 
Nov. 3rd, 1848, to Sept. 3rd, 1868. 

Rev. E. E. Pressly was pastor from 1871 to 1883. 

Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco was pastor from Oct. 18th, 
1884, to Oct. 5th, 1 891. 

Rev. W. C. Ewart was installed Aug. 5th, 1892, and 
continues pastor until, the present time. 

Sinking Creek, Greenbrier Co., West Va. — Doubtless 
an old Associate church seeking admission in to the Big 
Spring A. R. Presbytery. Dr. Scouller says : In April, 
1808, a petition, signed by over 60 names, was received 
from "the inhabitants about Sinking Creek, Greenbrier 
Co.," asking to be recognized as "a church under your 
care, being desirous to have the gospel preached 
amongst us, more according to the Reformation than 
hitherto we have had it ; and being favored with a copy 
of the testimony published by the Associate Reformed 
Synod, and being perfectly satisfied with the principles 
of your church." 



582 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. Wm. Adair preached for them from 1809 to May 
25, 1814. We have no records to show their subsequent 
history. 

Smyrna, Ga. — Along in the 4o's or 50's of last cen- 
tury some of the most prominent elders and members of 
Bethel, Ga., were accustomed to spend the summers at Pine 
Hill. In this way Dr. Phillips began to preach there for 
their benefit. A church was built for this purpose, and 
was jointly used by the A. R. P.'s and the Methodists. 
When this building became dilapidated, the Methodists 
built a new house across the branch and this in turn was 
used by both Methodists and A. R. P.'s. When Rev. 
J. C. Galloway became pastor of Bethel and Louisville, 
Ga., he gave Pine Hill one Sabbath evening each month, 
and the fifth Sabbaths. About the year 1880 a church 
was by him organized in the present Methodist church 
of Pine Hill, with 33 members, and Messrs. A. S. Mox- 
ley and Wm. Woods, elders. There were no deacons. 
Soon after this, steps were taken to build an A. R. church 
and a lot was donated by Mr. Jos. Moxley, of Moxley, 
Ga., and the present neat frame building was erected and 
dedicated by the pastor in the summer of 1884. , 

The congregation was never strong in either numbers 
or wealth, and is at present almost disorganized. 

Smyrna, Stewart Co., Ga. — Organized July 28, 1838, 
with 26 members of Associates, Covenanters and A. R. 
P.'s. John Cunning, James Little, Forester Little, Eb- 
enezer E. Little, Richard F. Pendry, were elders; Robt. 
Beaty, deacon. They made unsuccessful efforts to obtain 
as pastor Revs. James Walker, Andrew McElroy and 
A. Sloan. They were supplied occasionally by Revs. 
J. S. Pressly, '44, A. McElroy, '45. Rev. J. N. McCain 
began labors early in 1849, accepted and became pastor 
in spring of 1850. Had in '53 twenty-three families and 
forty-three members. Passed with Rev. McCain into 
the Presbyterian church about 1866. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 583 



Smyrna, Chester Co., S. C. — Smyrna is situated about 
five miles east of Chester, S. C, and is an old Associate 
Church, and was never in connection with the Associate 
Reformed Church, although it was used by them occa- 
sionally after it was abandoned as an Associate Church. 
It appears on the roll of the Associate Synod in 1822. 
Rev. James Lyle was pastor of Smyrna in connection 
with Winnsboro and Little River or Sterling's meeting 
house, from May 4th, 1825, until he demitted his charge 
in 1834. He seems to have been the only pastor Smyrna 
ever had. 

In 1822 it had twenty families and forty members, in 
1829, twenty-nine families and sixty members, in 1840, 
eighteen families and fifty members. 

It was at this church, in Aug., 1840, that Rev. Thomas 
S. Kendall was arrested by a band of men, and taken to 
Cockerell's, in Fairfield Co., and was given a coat of tar 
and feathers, for preaching against slavery, and reading 
a letter to the churches from the Associate Synod on 
that subject. 

The church, soon after this, ceased to be a regular 
preaching place. Rev. J. P. Marion and Rev. W. Y. Love 
of the A. R. church, preached there some in the 70's, but 
it is not used now. The old dilapidated building is still 
standing. 

After the tarring and feathering of Mr. Kendall, al- 
though it was done by a gang from another section, a 
blight seemed to fall on the church, and though efforts 
were made by various denominations to build up a church 
there, every effort failed. 

Smyrna, York Co., S. C. — About the year 1832, Wil- 
liam McGill, Esq., removed from Crowder's Creek, York 
Co., to King's Creek, York Co. About the same time 
three brothers, by the name of Black, moved into the 
same neighborhood from Diamond Hill, Abbeville Co. 
S. C. 



584 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Mr. McGill had been a member of the Associate 
Church of Bethany, S. C, and the Blacks of the Associ- 
ate Reformed Church at Diamond Hill, and they agreed 
to join forces and procure some preaching. At the re- 
quest of these men, Rev. Thos. Ketchin preached at the 
home of Mr. McGill some time in the year 1834. This 
was the first movement toward the organization of a 
church. Soon afterwards, seven families living in the 
northern outskirts of Sharon congregation, united with 
Mr. McGill and the Blacks, and built a stand near where 
the present church stands, probably in 1834, and there 
preaching was held. 

In the year 1835, Mr. John Darwin, a generous mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian church, donated the land on 
which the present church now stands, and a small build- 
ing was erected. During the early years of this church 
it was supplied with preaching by Revs. Thos Ketchin, 
Eleazer Harris, John and David Pressly, Joseph 
McCreary, L. C. Martin, R. C. Grier and J. H. Boyce. 
It was formally organized in 1843, by Rev. R. C. Grier. 

In the same year it united with Sharon and Olivet, in 
a call to Rev. R. A. Ross, and he was installed in Dec, 
1843. In 1852, Dr. Ross resigned, and soon after Smyr- 
na united with Sardis, in Union Co., in a call to Rev. J. 
R. Castles, and he was installed in 1854. During the 
pastorate of Mr. Castles, a larger and more substantial 
building was erected. Mr. Castles demitted his charge 
in 1862, on account of ill health. 

In 1863, Rev. Monroe Oates was installed, and de- 
mitted this charge in 1868, and removed to Arkansas. 

From 1868 to 1871, the church was supplied chiefly 
by Revs. Robt. Lathan and R. A. Ross. 

In 1 87 1, Rev. R. A. Ross was installed for half his 
time, and continued pastor until the latter part of 1890 
or early part of 1891, when on account of age and infirm- 
ity, he resigned. 

In 1873, the church was burned by an incendiary, and 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 585 



another church was built on the same site. During the 
pastorate of Dr. Ross, Hickory Grove congregation was 
organized out of a part of the membership of Smyrna. 
Rev. J. P. Knox was installed pastor of Smyrna and 
Hickory Grove Dec. 3rd, 1891, and continued pastor un- 
til May, 1899. Rev. J. L. Oates was installed over the 
united charge of Smyrna and Hickory Grove in March, 
1900, and still continues the pastor. 

During the lifetime of Smyrna, it has had a steady 
growth ; its members are liberal and well grounded in the 
faith, and while it has lost a great many by removals at 
various times, yet it still ranks as one of the best coun- 
try congregations in the Synod. 

The elders at Smyrna at present are : Thomas McGill, 
R. M. Plaxco, J. B. Whitesides, W. M. Whitesides, J. A. 
McGill, J. E. Castles, and J. W. Quinn. 




STATES VILLE , N. C. 

Statesville, Iredell Co., N. C. — A few families having 
removed from Stirling, among them the Millers and the 
Pattersons, the missionary Pressly began, about 1868, 
to preach here once a month. A small congregation 
was organized in a hall, Aug. 7, 1869. The court house 
being used a short time, the Presbyterians courteously 



586 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



tendered the use of their building one Sabbath each 
month. A most centrally located lot was donated by Col. 
J. S. Miller, and a neat and handsome brick building was 
erected largely by the liberality of the donator of the 
lot, and Col. A. S. Sharpe. Early in 1875, this church 
was dedicated by Rev. W. B. Pressly. The Presbyterian 
congregation whose building had been used for some 
six years, and Dr. W. A. Wood, the pastor, adjourned 
to rejoice with Bro. Pressly and his people on this happy 
occasion. There was considerable debt on the church, 
but it was held by the big hearted Col. J. S. Miller, who 
said to the writer, "A church never prospers under a 
debt. I will just burn it out." Rev. W. B. Pressly con- 
tinued to supply one-fourth time till May 17, 1878, when 
he was installed pastor. This affectionate relation was 
dissolved by his sudden and lamented death, Sabbath 
night, Nov. 25, 1883. Rev. Dallas Grier Caldwell was 
installed May 30, 1885, and resigned Oct. 22, 1891. Rev. 
James Hearst Pressly was ordained and installed Aug. 4, 
1892. He still continues the popular and successful pas- 
tor, the congregation having grown from 11 1 members 
to over 300 in about 1 1 years. 

The first elders were R. R. and George White, Col. 
A. M. Walker and John Patterson. Present bench of 
elders : J. K. Morrison, W. W. White, J. W. White, L. 
M. C. Davidson, A. D. Kistler, Y. D. Miller and W. P. 
McLain. 

A cyclone partially wrecked the building June 10, 
1899. While they were rebuilding, enlarging and re- 
pairing to the extent of $6,000, the Jewish Synagogue 
was kindly tendered and thankfully accepted as a place 
of worship. 

Steele Creek, N. C. — As early as 1775, a few families 
of Burghers and Anti-Burghers from Antrim Co., Ire- 
land, settled on the waters of Steele Creek, in Mecklen- 
burg- Co., N. C. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 587 



These families formed themselves into a Society for 
religious worship. The names of the earliest preachers 
who supplied them were Revs. Martin, Miller, Renwick, 
Clark, Boyce, and others. Some time in 1792 or 1793, 
Rev. William Blackstocks arrived from Ireland, and in 
1794, organized a church at Lower Steele Creek, and 
which was commonly known as Blackstock's church. 

This church was situated just over the State line, in 
York Co., S. C. Rev. Blackstocks served the church as 
pastor until 1806. In the first part of his pastorate, an 
unhappy division occurred among the people on the sub- 
ject of fasting in connection with the sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper. This resulted in the separation of some 
families and their organization into the society of Little 
Steele Creek. They placed themselves under the care 
of the Associate Synod of North America. They were 
supplied by the following ministers : Dr. Anderson, 
Revs. Crie, White, Henderson and others. 

A call was made out for Rev. Henderson, but he died 
before the call reached him, while he was on his return 
to the North. Revs. Mushat and Herron supplied them 
until 1814, when a call was made out for and accepted 
by Rev. Thomas Pringle. He served them until his death 
in 1818. Rev. A. Anderson was installed in 1821, and 
served until 1833. Rev. Archibald Whyte succeeded 
him, and remained until the spring of 1840. During Mr. 
Whyte's pastorate, the Associate Presbytery of the Car- 
olinas separated from the Associate Synod, and in 1844, 
the church was received into the Associate Reformed 
church, and united with Lower Steele Creek, and called 
Rev. James B. Watt. We now go back to Lower Steele 
Creek. Rev. Blackstocks served as pastor until 1806, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Grier, D. D., who faith- 
fully served them as pastor until 1843. In the following 
year, 1844, the union between the Associate Presbytery 
and the A. R. Synod of the South occurred, and the two 
congregations again became one, and called Rev. J. B. 



588 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Watt. Mr. Watt continued as pastor until 1858, and 
was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Chalmers, who was installed 
Oct. 29th, 1858, and continued pastor until Dec, 1881. 
Mr. Chalmers was succeeded by Rev. C. E. , McDonald, 
who was installed Nov. 3rd, 1882, and served until March 
27th, 1892. 

During Mr. McDonald's pastorate,^ the present church 
building was erected in 1883. While there was only one 
congregation after the union in 1844, yet there were two 
places of preaching, Little Steele t Creek, and Lower 
Steele Creek, and the pastor divided his time between the 
two. The churches were eight miles apart, and were 
situated at opposite edges of t the congregation, and it had 
long been felt that one church in the centre of the con- 
gregation would be better for all, and so, in the year 
1883,, a new church about midway between the two was 
built, and was dedicated in Jan., 1884, Rev. W. T. Wal- 
ler preaching the dedicatory sermon. 

During the pastorate also of Mr. McDonald,; the pres- 
ent elegant and commodious parsonage was built, and 
was first occupied in June, 1888. Rev. R. L. Grier was 
the next pastor, r serving from Aug. 12th, 1893, until 
March 31st, 1897. Rev. S. J. Patterson succeeded Mr. 
Grier and was installed Nov. 19th, 1898, and remained 
pastor until Feb. 10th, 1902, when he resigned to accept 
the appointment of the Board of Home Missions to the 
Mission in Memphis, Tenn. Mr. Patterson was com- 
pelled, on account of his health, to give up his work in 
Memphis, and as the congregation was still vacant, they 
made out a call for him, which he accepted and was re- 
installed Dec. 12th, 1902, and still continues pastor at this 
time. 

Starkville, Oktibbeha Co., Miss. — Was organized in 
1840, with David Montgomery and Nathaniel Weed, 
Esq., as elders. During the next two years the congre- 
gation was supplied with preaching occasionally by an 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 589 



appointment of Synod, but in 1842 a call was made out 
for the Rev. David Pressly, and he was installed April 
7th, 1843. This pastorate continued for over 42 years, 
when it was demitted, September 5, 1885. During this 
long and useful pastorate the church witnessed many 
changes. There were periods of growth, when her bor- 
ders were enlarged and many sons and daughters were 
gathered by her into the fold of the Good Shepherd. 

Men of large means and influence were numbered 
among her members, and from day to day the 
faithful gathered about her altars to worship God. 
But periods of darkness and adversity were also ex- 
perienced. The ravages of the War left many 
homes desolate and in poverty. Emigration to the 
farther West in search of better and cheaper 
lands depleted their ranks, and greatly reduced their 
strength. Rev. J. S. Mills preached there during 1885, 
and Rev. F. Y. Pressly was stated supply from 1887- 
1890. About this time effort was made to induce the 
immigration of Psalm-singers from the north and north- 
west, but with only partial success. The purpose of this 
was two-fold, — to build up the local church and to con- 
tribute what it might toward inducing general immigra- 
tion from the more crowded sections of the country to 
the rich but cheaper lands of the South, believing that 
the bringing of representatives of the Psalm-singing 
churches into living contact with each other the day of 
the organic union of these bodies would be hastened. 
Prompted by the same desire for union, a petition was 
presented to the Memphis Presbytery, May 2, 1891, re- 
questing to be allowed to withdraw in order to connect 
with the United Presbyterian church and the same was 
granted. 

Sugar Grove, Mercer Co., Pa. — Was organized by the 
First A. R. P. Presbytery of Ohio, June, 1870. Rev. 
James Borrows then became pastor and died in this offi- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



cial relation, May 13th, 1886. When the Ohio Presby- 
tery resolved, May 30, 1881, to return to the United 
Presbyterian body, this congregation passed from our 
roll. 

Tolerant, Lancaster Co., S. C. — Talerant church, in 
Lancaster Co., S. C, appears upon the roll of the Pres- 
bytery of the Carolinas in 1824, and lived about four 
years, and then disappears. , 

Tallahassee, {Gadsden) now probably Leon Co., Fla. 
— On the roll 1830. Doubtless visited by Revs. Wm. 
Blackstock, '28, and J. T. Pressly, '30, and organized by 
one of them. 

Taylorsville, Alexander Co., N. C. — Was organized 
June 13, 1896. The members of Hiddenite in and near 
town were increased by revivals conducted by Rev. J. H. 
Pressly, assisted by Revs. J. C. Boyd and E. B. Ander- 
son. The 18 members elected as elders D. M. Moore 
and J. M. Matheson. As deacons, G. W. Patterson and 
W. J. Allen were chosen. Though small in numbers and 
weak in finance, this Spartan band completed a neat and 
comfortable church, 1898. Revs. W. M. Hunter, R. E. 
Hough, E. F. Griffith, and others preached as supply. 
Rev. W. Y. Love, installed pastor, Nov. 18th, 1901, still 
continues their watchful undershepherd. 

Thyatira, Mecklenburg Co., N. C— The land was do- 
nated by J. R. Hood and the church erected 1886. Rev. 
John Hunter's first sermon in the new church and his 
last public effort to preach was here, March, 1886, when 
he was stricken with paralysis. Rev. R. G. Miller, D. 
D., continued to supply this mission of Sardis from the 
origin of his pastorate till an organization was effected. 
J. R. and J. W. Hood and R. W. Irwin constituted the 
session. They continue to enjoy the ministrations of Dr. 
Miller, pastor of Sardis. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



591 



Thyatira, Obion Co., Tenn. — Is supposed to have been 
only a preaching point, and nothing is now known of its 
location. 




TIMBER RIDGE, VA. 

Timber Ridge, Rockbridge Co., Va. — Petitioned the 
Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, Oct. 21, 1778, 
for ordination of elders and moderation of call. Rev. 
Wm. Logan was instructed to preach Dec, 1778, and 
ordain elders, with assistance of Wm. Finley, John and 
Sam Agnew, ruling elders. They petitioned, May 26th, 
1779, for celebration of the sacrament, and Rev. Jas. 
Proudfoot was directed to administer the Lord's Supper, 
Oct., 1779, and moderate a call. Rev. Jas. Clarkson was 
sent, Oct., 1780. They continued to petition, but as the 
war was raging, the Presbytery wrote a letter of encour- 
agement and sympathy. John McCullock, commis- 
sioner from Timber Ridge, appeared before Presbytery, 
Oct. 31, 1781, at Piqua, Pa., and insisted on supply and 
moderation of a call. Supplies were promised next 
spring, and diligent inquiry was made as to Timber 
Ridge's (and Old Providence's) ability to support a min- 
ister, with this result, "That the support proposed, if 
punctually paid, might be a sufficient salary." This re- 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



suited in Rev. Jno. Rodgers' installation, 1783. This 
pastorate closed by his suspension, May 25th, 1790. 
,Tradition says Joseph Little and Wm. McClung, join- 
ing lands, each gave a lot near Timber Ridge station. 
Joseph Little arrived from Ireland early in 1773, and be- 
tween that and 1778, the congregation was organized. A 
change in the Psalmody of the Presbyterian church was 
not the occasion, as that was about 1789. A log church 
was erected on the aforesaid lot. Some of the elders 
who served were Wm. McClung, John McCullock, 
James Young, Jno. Finley, John McBride, Jas. Dick- 
son, John Murphy, Robt. Cooper. Rev. John Young was 
ordained and installed pastor, Aug. 20, 1792, and de- 
mitted in summer, 1799. Rev. James Harper, lately from 
Ireland, supplied a while in 1800. Rev. Wm. Baldridge 
was stated supply, 1803- 1809. 

For eleven years Timber Ridge was occasionally sup- 
plied by Big Spring Presbytery. Rev. Jas. Brown, while 
declining a call, served two years, beginning 1820. James 
McClung, Andrew Scott and David Taylor were elders 
about this date. , 

There were two causes that led to a change in name 
and ecclesiastical relation. First, under the influence 
largely of Dr. John Anderson and Rev. Wm. Dixon, 
there was a considerable accession to the Associate Pres- 
bytery of the Carolinas. Some time after this, the Asso- 
ciate Presbyterians began preaching on the Ridge and 
were, in 181 5, enabled with Ebenezer to settle a minister. 
Second, There was a forced union, May, 1822, between 
a part of the General Synod A. R. P. and the Presbyte- 
rians. This caused many divisions and as usual left 
many congregations without a pastor. The record shows 
that the growing Associate church on the Ridge absorbed 
the declining Associate Reformed. Rev. Andrew Heron, 
D. D., was ordained and installed pastor, April 1, 1815. 

Dr. Heron demitted after a faithful ministry, Aug. 1, 
1832. Andrew Kinnear, Jas. Harper, Jas. Taylor and 
Aniel Rogers, ordained Aug. 4, 1826, served as elders. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. H. Thompson began labors Sept. I, 1833, and 
was ordained and installed March, 1834. This congre- 
gation went cordially into the union, April 16, 1844, with 
the First Presbytery (A. R. P.). Difference of opinion 
having arisen about 1854, as to the joint use of the stone 
church, it was thought best for the A. R. Presbyterians 
to build. Dr. Thompson deeded a lot and a beautiful brick 
church was erected and dedicated in May, 1857. 

Dr. Thompson's long ministry and residence was a 
precious privilege that but few congregations enjoy, and 
ceased at his death, May 6, 1882. Rev. S. W. Haddon 
began as assistant, Feb. 6, 1881, and served as state sup- 
ply till 1892. The elders who served during Dr. Thomp- 
son's ministry were Joseph Kirkpatrick, Alexander Pat- 
ton, Wm. A. McClung, Wm. B. Dixon and John Nelson, 
and J. A. Thompson in 1890. Rev. E. F. Griffith was in- 
stalled Oct. 14th, 1893, and resigned Nov. 18th, 1896. 
Rev. D. P. Neill began stated labors first Sabbath, July, 
1897, and installed July 1, 1898. W. B. Douglass and 
F. L. McClung were, in 1898, ordained elders. Timber 
Ridge, with Old Providence, is the oldest pastorate in 
Synod. 

She has also another distinction. Wm. M. McClung, 
Jas. B. McClung, Wm. A. McClung and Frank L. 
McClung, father, son, grandson and great-grandson rul- 
ing elders in the same congregation in regular succes- 
sion. 

Tirzah, {Waxhaw) , Union Co., N. C. — Preaching in 
this section, the birthplace of President Jackson, began 
early, as a church called Waxhaw was organized before 
1790. They were doubtless supplied at long intervals by 
Revs. Thomas Clark, Jas. Martin, Wm. Blackstocks, Jas. 
Rogers and others. April 8, 1801, the Second Presbytery 
was requested to send Rev. Jas. McAulay, with a view to 
settlement on $400.00 salary. This plan miscarried, yet 
he supplied awhile. Revs. Peter McMullen, Robt. Ir- 
38 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



win, Jas. Magill and Alexander Porter dispensed at in- 
tervals the word. 

Dr. Isaac Grier was pastor, Oct. 19, 1804-1808. Pos- 
sibly as early as 1803, a part of the congregation joined 
the recently formed Associate Presbytery, and were 
known as Waxhaw, and now Shiloh, Lancaster Co., 
S. C. 

Rev. Wm. Blackstock became pastor of Tirzah, 181 1, 
and resigned Nov. 9, 1827. There were 54 families and 
in members in 1822 and 69 families and 174 members, 
1830. Supplied by First Presbytery, Dr. S. C. Millen 
was ordained and installed Nov. 17, 1841, and resigned 
Oct. 4, 1845. Rev. D. P. Robinson was ordained and 
installed Nov. 3, 1848, and resigned April 17, 1871. The 
majority of the congregation joined the General Assem- 
ly Presbyterians Dec. 18th, 1871. 

Tirzah, York Co., S. C. — Some time previous to 1800, 
there was a preaching station at Joseph Miller's, several 
miles west of where Tirzah church now stands, and there 
was also an A. R. church at Ebenezer. The attempt to 
introduce Watts Hymns into the Ebenezer church caused 
trouble, and those members in Ebenezer who would have 
nothing but the Psalms, united with these Associ- 
ates who worshipped at Joseph Miller's, and organized 
Tirzah congregation, and located it seven miles south- 
east of Yorkville, on the Yorkville and Landsford road. 

The organization was effected about 1803. Rev. Peter 
McMullen is said to have presided at the organization, 
and the first elders were : Joseph Miller, Thos. Barron, 
Samuel Barron and Charles McElwain. 

The first church was built of logs. Revs. Wm. Dixon, 
Eleazer Harris, John Cree, and Isaac Grier, preached as 
supplies at Tirzah. In 1827, Rev. Wm. M. McElwee 
was installed pastor of Tirzah and Sharon, and continued 
until 1832, when he demitted his charge and went North 
on account of the slavery question. A new house of wor- 
ship was erected in 1827. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Rev. Thos. Ketchin preached there after Mr. McElwee 
left. It continued to be an Associate Church until 1834, 
at which time it came into the A. R. Presbytery of the 
Carolinas and Georgia. 

Rev. Laughlin McDonald was pastor from Dec, 1839, 
until Oct., 185 1. Rev. S. C. Millen was pastor from 
1852 until 1855. In 1857, the church was moved to a 
more central location, two miles north of where it stood, 
and was located where the present church now stands. 
In 1859, Rev. Robert Lathan, D. D., was installed over 
Tirzah and Yorkville, and continued until 1884, when 
he was called to a chair in Erskine Seminary. Rev. J. C. 
Galloway, D. D., was installed in 1884, and demitted his 
charge in 1893. Rev. B. H. Grier was installed in 1894, 
and resigned in 1 901. 

A few years ago, a beautiful and modern church 
building was erected, which is an ornament to the com- 
munity. Tirzah, like many of our country congrega- 
tions, has been very much weakened by the removal of 
many of its members to the towns and cities, but it is 
still a hale and vigorous congregation. Since Rev. B. 
H. Grier left, in 1901, this church has been vacant. 

Thompson Street A. R. P. Church, Newberry, S. C. — 
Was organized in 1850. The church was erected on a lot 
donated by Dr. Thomas W. Thompson. At the organi- 
zation of the church, Drs. William McMorries and 
Thomas W. Thompson were elected and ordained as 
Ruling Elders. Prof. William Hood also soon after be- 
came a Ruling Elder. 

Thompson Street and King's Creek churches united 
in a call to Rev. H. L. Murphy. He was installed in 
1853, and labored very successfully until the close of the 
war in 1865. At that time the conditions were such as to 
discourage him. Hence he resigned his charge and 
moved to West Tennessee. For several years following 
the resignation of Mr. Murphy the church was very ir- 



596 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



regularly supplied. Dr. W. M. Grier labored there one 
year as stated supply. 

In 1870, Rev. E. P. McClintock began preaching at 
Thompson Street and King's Creek. In 1871, he re- 
ceived a call to the joint pastorate and was installed the 
same year. This pastorate continued for twelve years. 
In 1883, Dr. McClintock moved to the town of New- 
berry. He then demitted his charge of King's Creek 
and devoted his whole time to Thompson Street. 

The present ofHcers are : Rev. E. P. McClintock, pas- 
tor ; M. A. Carlisle, George S. Mower, John C. Wilson 
and James F. Todd, Ruling Elders, and E. C. Jones, S. 
B. Jones, F. M. Martin, and Edwin Carlisle, deacons. 

The membership at organization was nine and at the 
present time it is one hundred and twenty. The church 
is well organized, having the usual number of auxiliary 
societies. 

Thompson Street church has been a liberal supporter 
of the institutions and missions of the A. R. P. church, 
and has had a marked influence on the moral and spirit- 
ual life of the town of Newberry. , 

Troy, S. C. — A. R. P. church was organized June 4, 
1882, by a commission of the Second Presbytery. Prior 
to the organization, Dr. H. T. Sloan had occasionally 
preached in the village of Troy. The organization fol- 
lowed as an immediate result of his preaching. Dr. 
Sloan continued to supply this congregation, and in 1883, 
he was called to the pastorate of the church. On his de- 
clining, a call was made out for Dr. J. C. Galloway, who 
also declined. In 1884, Rev. R. F. Bradley having ac- 
cepted a call, he was installed soon after, the spring 
meeting of Presbytery of the same year. Five years 
later, in April, 1889, he demitted the charge. Dr. Rob- 
ert Lathan was the principal supply until Rev. T. W. 
Sloan accepted a call in 1890, and labored in this field 
until 1895, when he demitted the charge. Rev. D. G. 
Caldwell supplied the church bi-monthly until the fall 




TROY, S. C. 

meeting of Presbytery, when Rev. Mr. Sloan returned to 
Troy and was again installed pastor, remaining until 
1900, when he again demitted the charge. Rev. D. G. 
Phillips supplied the church until Rev. H. B. Blakely 
accepted a call to the pastorate, in 1901. 

The church building was erected in 1882, and remod- 
eled in 1886. 

Two of our missionaries, Miss Lavinia Neel, and Mrs. 
Dr. Kate Neel Dale, are daughters of Dr. J. D. Neel, an 
elder of the Troy church. , 

The church was organized with 34 members, and 
now, 1903, numbers 115 members. The future of the 
church seems bright. 

Troy, Obion Co., Tenn. — Is located in the town of 
Troy, until recently the county site, and about three and 
one-half miles northwest of Polk, a small station on the 
I. C. railroad. 



598 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The membership of the church at this place was 
formed by the Harpers and Hutchinson's, a company of 
about 50 persons, white and black, that left the banks 
of the Catawba River in York county, S. C, Dec. 24, 
1824, and arrived in this locality, Feb., 1825. This set- 
tlement was in the wild woods, the county having been 
organized in 1823. 

Rev. Wm. Blackstocks visited this community about 
1826, and again in 1829, and preached a number of times 
and baptized some children. 

Rev. Robert Galloway visited these people during 183 1 
and 1832. 

Rev. Eleazer Harris began laboring here in 1832, and 
organized a church with 12 or 13 members. James Har- 
per and Samuel Hutchinson were made Elders. Rev. 
Robert McCoy visited the congregation in the autumn of 
1838. His services as stated supply were secured, and 
he took charge January, 1839, and continued until Sep- 
tember, 1845. 

Rev. James Penny Weed came in 1846, and was in- 
stalled pastor, April, 1847. This relation continued until 
Sept., 1858. He also had charge during 1870-75. 

Rev. Robert Leroy Grier was pastor from Xov. 19th, 
i860, to 1870. 

Rev. Thomas Peden Pressly was sent as supply in 
1875, an d was installed pastor Oct. 14th, 1876, and this 
pastorate happily continues to this day. In Oct. of 1901, 
the quarter centennial was observed with appropriate ex- 
ercises. 

The following is the roll of Elders who have served 
the congregation since its organization, most of whom 
have been gathered unto their fathers : James Harper, 
Samuel Hutchinson, Samuel Baker, Benjamin Garrison, 
Wm. McDaniel Hood, Augustus Peden Moffatt, David 
W. Stewart, Robert M. Xisbet, W'alter Brice, M. D., 
Samuel Curry, John Erwin, Adam Dunbar, J. G. Smith, 
Esq., L. S. Lancaster, J. C. McCaw, WTlliam Joseph Er- 
win. William Curry, S. B. Hall. 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



The first church building was erected about four and 
one-half (4J/2) miles east of Troy. The second was 
erected in Troy about 1839, on the lot that is occupied by 
the present church, which is in the third structure, and 
which was dedicated June 13th, 1874, by Rev. Jas. A. 
Lowry. 

Troy is the mother of two churches, Rives (originally 
Pleasant Hill), and Polk, a recent organization, on the 
Illinois Central railroad. 

Twenty-six Mile Creek, Pendleton Co., S. C. — Was 
one of the earliest organizations of the Presbytery of the 
Carolinas and Georgia. The meagre information con- 
cerning it is found in the Records of that Presbytery 
and of the Second Presbytery. From 1801 to 1829 a 
petition went up to nearly every meeting of Presbytery 
for supplies. At different times the following supplies 
were sent : Revs. M'Gill, Porter, Renwick, Irwin and 
Bryson. In 1804, a call was made for a part of Mr. Ir- 
vin's time, but Presbytery granted them instead only a 
regular supply. 

This church was never strong numerically, and after 
the year 1828 its name does not appear in the Proceed- 
ings of the Presbytery. 

Union, Chester Co., S. C. — Union church is situated 
very near Richburg, in Chester Co., S. C. 

It was originally one of the Societies of the Reformed 
Presbyterian Church, and was probably organized as an 
Associate Reformed Church in 1795, as it appears on 
the minutes of the A. R. Church in 1796, when it united 
with Hopewell and New Hope in a call to Rey. John 
Hemphill. 

Rev. John Hemphill was installed over this pastoral 
charge on Sept. 19th, 1796, and was, therefore, the first 
pastor of Union. This pastorate continued until the 
death of Dr. Hemphill, on May 30th, 1832. 



6oo SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 




UNION, S. C. 

The first house of worship was a log building, and 
stood near where the present house stands. It was 
erected in 1794 or 1795, and was afterwards remodeled 
and enlarged, and served the church until the present 
building was erected in 1848. 

After the death of Mr. Hemphill, Hopewell and Union 
united in a call to Rev. Warren Flenniken, who was or- 
dained and installed in Nov., 1832. This pastorate con- 
tinued until Mr. Flenniken demitted Union in April, 
1839. Until this time Union had received preaching only 
once a month. 

In April, 1839, Rev. L. McDonald was called to Union 
for one-half time, the other half being given to Tirzah, 
in York Co., S. C. 

Mr. McDonald was installed over the united charge, at 
Tirzah, on Dec. 10th, 1839. He lived in the bounds of 
Union, and continued pastor of Tirzah until Oct. 4th, 
1 85 1, when he demitted this part of his charge, and on 
Sept. 10th, 1853, ne accepted a call to Neely's Creek, in 
York Co., S. C, and continued pastor of Union and 
Neely's Creek, until Sept. 5th, 1870, when he demitted 
both congregations, and became pastor of New Hope, in 
Fairfield Co. The united charge of Union and Neely's 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 601 



Creek called Rev. C. B. Betts, in April, 1871, and he was 
installed in May, 1871. 

In 1890, Mr. Betts gave up the Neely's Creek branch 
of this charge, because it had grown strong enough to 
take a pastor all the time. He has since continued pastor 
of Union. Union has been one of the strong and solid 
churches of the Synod, and has done a noble work for 
the Master. 

It has given the following ministers to the church : 
Revs. S. C. Millen, J. H. Simpson, Josiah Moffatt, J. P. 
Marion, W. H. Millen, H. C. Fennell, J. H Moffatt, and 
R. C. Betts. 

In recent years the congregation has made extensive 
repairs on their church, and it is now one of the most 
convenient and handsome churches in the country. 

Union, Maury Co., Tenn. — It is not known when or 
by whom this congregation was organized. Presumably 
it was by the Tennessee Presbytery. Rev. R. M. Gallo- 
way was pastor from 1824 to 1840, giving probably one- 
half time to it. After Mr. Galloway's death, it had only 
occasional supplies. The first house of worship was de- 
stroyed by a storm in 1835, and the second was erected in 
1836. "At one time Union was a fairly strong and 
flourishing congregation, as much so as Hopewell, but 
by removals and deaths became broken up. The storm 
that destroyed the church building in 1835, killed three 
members of one of the families, by the name of Lusk." 
The date of its dissolution is not given. 

Union, Marion Co., Ga. — Organized by Rev. Thomas 
Turner, Feb. 3, 1841, Robt. Bell and Thomas Wigham 
ruling elders ordained at organization. Rev. James 
Walker was called early in 1841, but while he was hold- 
ing the call a Higher Call took him away, Sept. 18, 1841. 
Owing to removals, it was, June, 1843, consolidated with 
and named Smyrna, with four elders and one deacon. 



602 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



Unity, Newberry Co., S. C. — This church is one of 
the youngest organizations in the Synod. Its ecclesiasti- 
cal life dates from April 30th, 1902. 

At this time a commission of the Second Presbytery, 
consisting of Rev. T. W. Sloan, and elders R. S. Gal- 
loway and C. F. Boyd, effected the formal organization 
of the church. 

Rev. J. B. Hood deserves the credit of starting the 
work at Unity. It was while he was pastor of King's 
Creek that he began preaching at Garmany school house, 
a small building situated near the church. It was found 
necessary to have a better and more commodious build- 
ing. This was erected by the contributions of but a 
handful of people, Messrs. A. J. Gibson and B. F. Can- 
non taking the lead in the work. The church was first 
occupied in January, 1903. The elders elected were B. 
F. Cannon and J. Y. Thompson. The first pastor chosen 
was Rev. Chas M. Boyd. His installation took place 
May 30th, 1903. The church has now 40 members, hav- 
ing grown from a beginning of 15. It has a promising 
future before it. 

Unity. — Unity Church is situated in the eastern part of 
Lancaster County, S. C, and its origin is due to a divis- 
ion in Tirzah, A. R. church, in Union County, N. C. 
About 1875, a large part of Tirzah congregation went 
into the Southern Presbyterian church, and those who re- 
mained in the A. R. church were organized by the First 
Presbytery into a congregation, and was called Unity. 
The organization was effected by Rev. A. Ranson, in the 
yard of Mr. John W. McCain, in 1875. McCain 
gave five acres of land for a church lot, and the first 
building was erected in 1875, an d was dedicated in April, 
1876, Rev. R. W. Brice preaching the dedicatory ser- 
mon. The church was supplied by Rev. J. S. Mills and 
others for some time. In 1876, Rev. E. E. Pressly com- 
menced to supply the church regularly, and in 1879 was 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 603 




UNITY, S. C. 



called as pastor, being installed May 23rd, 1879. Mr. 
Pressly demitted this charge, Oct. 25th, 1885. 

Rev. W. A. M. Plaxco was stated supply from Nov., 
1885, until the spring of 1890. During this time Mr. 
Plaxco was called to the pastorate, but declined. 

Rev. H. B. Blakely was pastor from 1890 until 1894, 
and Rev. J. L. Oates from 1897 until the spring of 1900. 

Rev. J. Meek White was stated supply from May, 
1900, until he was installed April 9th, 1901, and he still 
continues as pastor. At its organization, John Nelson 
and J. Millen Stewart were ordained elders, and they 
both continue in office until the present time. The fol- 
lowing persons have since been added as elders, Jas. W. 
McCain, S. P. Walkup, W. G. Sistare, and Elam Boyce, 
and perhaps others. In 1902, a beautiful and elegant 
church was erected, which is a credit to the congregation 
and an ornament to the community. They also have a 
nice parsonage for the pastor. Unity is well named, and 
is one of the most live and prosperous churches of the 
Presbytery. 

Uniontown, Belmont Co., Ohio. — Was organized as an 
A. R. church, 1805 ; became U. P. in 1858 ; formed part 



604 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



of the Ohio Presbytery in connection with A. R. Synod 
of the South. Dr. W. M. McElwee, of Rockbridge Co., 
Va., visited, preached to, and received a call early after 
Civil War. Having joined the Southern Synod, Sept. 
19, 1867, Rev. W. S. Moffatt began stated labors June, 
1868, and was installed pastor, spring, 1869. He re- 
mained here until May 30, 1881, when both pastor and 
congregation connected with the United Presbyterian 
Church. 

Sketch of the Work in Valles, State of S. L. P. — 
Evangelical work was begun at Valles in 1899. Valles 
is a part of the mission of which El Maiz is the center. 
The town has a population of some 2,000 souls ; it is, 
however, the center of a large and populous territory. 

Rev. C. Cruz was located at this point, and has gath- 
ered a small congregation. One of the most serious draw- 
backs to the work at this point is the lack of a suitable 
house of worship, centrally located and respectably fur- 
nished. 

The congregation is composed of four families, nine 
communicants, and a good number of adherents. No 
formal church organization has yet been effected and 
no ruling elders have been elected. A day school, which 
is growing in favor and in number of pupils, is taught 
by Mr. Cruz and his wife. 

Valles is a strategic point, and is growing every day in 
importance. It is located on the Mexican Central Ry., 
and is the gate way to the large, fertile and populous ter- 
ritory of the Tamasunchale valley. 

Virgin Spring, Alexander Co., N. C. — Organized 
1824; land donated by (Mason) John McLelland. John 
Patterson, a Revolutionary soldier named it after a spring 
on his land. "It was a log structure, built after the rules 
of the country meeting houses of that day ; the cracks are 
all open, no windows, or door shutters ; rude seats of 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



605 



plank slabs or split logs, as were most convenient to ob- 
tain." Among the first ruling elders were Daniel Mathe- 
son, and Robert Carson, Sr. They received supplies 
from Rev. John Mushat until his active ministry ceased, 
1827, and then from Associate ministers. 

In 1840, there were 12 families and 22 members. 
Rev. John Patrick often dispensed the means of grace 
here, '4i-'44- J as - McDonald, Robt. Carson, Jr., Aryel 
Sharp, David Miller and Henry McLain, elders. Rev. 
S. C. Millen, D. D., began supply, Nov. 1, 1846. Salem 
Presbyterian Church was organized, 1833. When both 
needed repair, the property of Virgin Spring was used 
to better furnish Salem and a joint use agreed. It con- 
tinued agreeably as long as needed, under the administra- 
tion of Dr. Millen, Revs. W. B. Pressly and W. M. Hun- 
ter. For a few years in the '70's, she declined and be- 
came disorganized. The faithful remnant were recol- 
lected and merged into Hiddenite. 

Warrior s Creek. — The earliest mention to be found 
of Warrior's Creek, Laurens Co., S. C, is in the Pro- 
ceedings of the Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia, 
in the year 1804, when it is recorded that Warrior's Creek 
petitioned Presbytery for a sermon. A similar request 
was made at each successive meeting of Presbytery, un- 
til 1807, when a definite call was made out for one-fourth 
of Mr. Renwick's time. Presbytery appointed Mr. Ren- 
wick to preach at Warrior's Creek on the fourth Sabbath 
of April, also on the first and second Sabbath of May. 
At the next spring meeting of Presbytery they begged 
for one-fourth of Mr. Renwick's time to be continued 
among them. Mr. Renwick labored there as stated sup- 
ply from 1809 until 181 6. 

On March the tenth, 1812, Warrior's Creek vacancy 
was united with Gilder's Creek as a part of Mr. Ren- 
wick's charge, but on March 1, 18 14, his connection with 
Gilder's Creek was dissolved. 



6o6 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



In 1816, these vacancies were reported to Synod, as in 
a languishing condition, there being much lukewarmness 
on account of different views on Christian communion. 

On November 6, 1816, Presbytery held a meeting at 
Warrior's Creek. 

In 1 827- 1 828, Rev. S. P. Pressly and Rev. H. Bryson 
served as stated supply for one-fourth time. 




White Oak Church, Ga. — Was organized in 1848, by 
Rev. Thomas Turner, under direction of the Georgia 
Presbytery (or 2nd). They were supplied until 1854, 
when Rev. James McDaniel was installed pastor. He de- 
mitted the charge in 1857. Rev. Andrew McElroy was 
installed, 1859, and demitted the charge in 1866. From 
that date until 1879, th ev were supplied by Rev. S. P. 
Davis and a number of other ministers. In that year, Rev. 
J. L. Hemphill began his labors among them. In 1881, 
he was installed pastor, and continued to be until his death 
in 1899. Rev. J. M. Bigham was with them for a few 
months. In Dec, 1900. Rev. I. S. Caldwell was ordained 
and installed as their pastor, and is still with them. They 
have had two church buildings. The last one was erected 
in 1896, during the pastorate of Rev. J. L. Hemphill, and 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 607 

is a handsome and commodious structure. The member- 
ship of the church is among the most liberal and progres- 
sive in the Synod. 

White Oak, S. C. — White Oak Church is on the line of 
the Southern Railway, eight miles north of Winnesboro, 
in Fairfield County, S. C. 

The church was organized by the First Presbytery, 
March 16th, 1877. Rev. J. P. Marion was the first pastor 
and was installed in May, 1878, and continued for about 
a year, when he was called to Chester for all his time. 
Rev. J. A. White was installed pastor June 10th, 1881, 
and was released in 1893. Rev. J. A. Smith was installed 
Nov. 25th, 1893, and remained until Sept., 1899. For 
several years after its organization, the congregation 
worshipped in the school building, but in 1884, the 
present handsome and commodious building was erected, 
and was dedicated on Dec. 13th, 1884. 

Winnsboro, S. C. — When the church at Winnsboro 
was organized, we are not able to say, but we think about 
1820. It was originally an Associate Church, and ap- 
pears on the roll of the Associate Presbytery of the 
Carolinas for the first time in May, 1823. In Dec. of 
that year, Rev. James Lyle, who was born in Pennsyl- 
vania and licensed by the Ohio Presbytery, was sent 
South, and it is presumed that he supplied the Winns- 
boro church during 1824. A subscription list for Mr. 
Lyle as "stated pastor" in 1824 is in existence, and he 
was installed as pastor of Winnsboro or Bethel, as it 
Was then called, together with Smyrna, in Chester 
County, and Little River, or Sterling's Meeting House, 
in Fairfield, on May 4th, 1825. Mr. Lyle continued as 
pastor until 1834. The church seems to have remained 
vacant for several years. About 1840, Rev. Thomas 
Ketchin began as stated supply of Winnsboro and Per- 
ry's Church, in Lancaster Co., and on March 8th, 1844, 



608 SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 




WINNSBORO, S. C. 



he was installed pastor of Winnsboro, and continued 
pastor until April 20th, 1852. After this ensued another 
vacancy in this church, until Rev. C. B. Betts was in- 
stalled May nth, 1855, and continuing until Nov. 16th, 
1869. 

Rev. J. M. Todd was pastor from May 24th, 1872 un- 
til April 7th, 1879. Rev. J. T. Chalmers from April 
28th, 1881, until Oct. 3rd, 1891. Rev. C. E. McDonald 
from May 13th, 1892, until the present time. This 
church has always been one of the most liberal and pros- 
perous congregations of the Synod. It has abounded 
in Christian giving, and every cause of God that has 
been presented to it, has met a liberal response from this 
people. Its members have always exhibited a high type 
of piety, and it has always exerted a large influence for 
good in the town and community. In common with all 
other churches in small towns, it has had a constant 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 609 



drain, in that its young people have been forced, in many 
instances to go to the larger towns and cities for employ- 
ment, yet there has been a constant gain in membership, 
and it has more members to-day than at any time in its 
history. 

During its existence the congregation has had three 
houses of worship. The first stood on the corner of Fair- 
field and Vanderhorst streets, in the northwest corner of 
the graveyard, and was erected soon after the organiza- 
tion of the church. In 1873, the congregation bought a 
lot from Mr. George McMaster, just across the street 
north of where the old church was, and erected thereon 
a brick building which has served the congregation until 
this time, 1903. In the year 1903, the congregation 
bought a lot on the corner of Washington and Zion 
street, and erected a large and handsome building, which 
is an ornament to the town and a credit to the congre- 
gation. It stands near the centre of the town, just one 
block from the public square. 

In 1894, the congregation bought a house and lot for a 
parsonage. It is on Liberty street, and consists of two 
acres, and a large eight room house, which furnishes a 
comfortable home for the pastor. 

The Women's Societies of this church deserve honor- 
able mention, for they have had much to do in its pros- 
perity and success. A number of years ago, in 1883, 
they put an iron fence around the graveyard ; they helped 
largely to pay for the parsonage and also for the new 
church erected in 1903. They have, all along the years, 
contributed liberally to the missionary funds of the Sy- 
nod, and have ever been a live and active force in the 
church. 

The church here has had many quiet revivals and gra- 
cious seasons of awakening. The most noted occasion 
of this kind occurred in Feb., 1893, at a ten days' meeting 
held by Rev. W. W. Orr, D. D., the Synodical evangelist. 

Christians were awakened and the whole town was 
39 



6io SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



stirred. Thirty persons connected with this church at 
that time, and many others connected with the various 
churches of the town. The past of this church is safe 
and the future seems bright. 

Woodruff Associate Reformed Church. — Was organ- 
ized at Woodruff, S. C, June 14, 1879, with twelve (12) 
charter members, nine from Bethel, now Ora, and three 
from Providence, now Clinton. 

The organization was effected under discouraging cir- 
cumstances, and had a hard struggle for existence. 

The first supplies were individual and scattering. Rev. 
Calvin Pressly was stated supply for one-fourth time for 
the year 1880 and 1881. Rev. R. H. McAuley was stated 
supply for one-half time from the fall of 1881 to the fall 
of 1882. He then served as pastor elect until May 29, 
1884, when he was installed pastor for one-half his time, 
in the fall of 1888 he resigned the pastorate. Rev. J. B. 
Muse and others supplied until 1891, when Rev. J. R. 
Edwards came from the Seminary and supplied the 
church statedly for a few months. Rev. J. H. Pressly 
of the Seminary also supplied the church from the fall of 
1891 to June, 1892. After several months of scattering 
supplies, Rev. S. W. Reid of the Seminary was called, 
ordained, and installed pastor over the congregations of 
Wellford and Woodruff, July 15, 1893. His labors were 
blessed and he was beloved by all. He resigned April 
6, 1897, to accept the work at Ebenezer and Wrens, Ga. 
A few months of scattering supplies succeeded Mr. 
Reid's departure. Rev. W. B. Lindsay of the Seminary 
was then called, and on Nov. 6, 1897, was ordained and 
installed over Wellford and Woodruff. After a success- 
ful pastorate of five years he went by appointment of 
Synod to take charge of the work at Memphis, Tenn. 

Two church buildings have been erected since the or- 
ganization, the first in 1879 an< ^ 1880, though the building 
was not completed for two or three years. In July, 1900, 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



611 



the second building- was completed and dedicated. The 
cost was about $3,000. 

In 1890 a revival in the church started, which was far 
reaching, though there were but few accessions at the 
time. Rev. W. W. Orr conducted the meeting. 

Revs. E. B. Anderson and W. E. Anderson were mem- 
bers of this congregation until they entered the ministry. 

The growth of this church has been slow but steady, 
and numbers now about fifty-nine names on the mem- 
bership roll. It has been self-sustaining for several years. 

Wrens Church was organized October 9th, 1899 by the 
Second Presbytery. The first sermon preached at 
Wrens was by Rev. D. G. Phillips, D. D., August 30th, 
1891. Dr. Phillips continued to preach there once a 
month until Jan. 1st, 1893, when he gave up active work. 
For six months they were supplied by the Board of 
Home Missions. On July 6th, 1893, a call was made 
out for Rev. J. S. Grier, and he was installed at Ebenezer 
July 23rd, 1893. Rev. Grier resigned April 16th, 1896. 
For six months they were again supplied by the Home 
Board. They then called Rev. S. W. Reid. He was in- 
stalled May 8th, 1897, and demitted the charge Sept. 
12th, 1898. About this time the Wrens branch became 
a separate organization. Rev. J. A. .Smith was the 
first pastor of the independent organization, and was in- 
stalled pastor of Wrens December 6th, 1899. He re- 
signed in December, 1901. Rev. R. E. Hough was in- 
stalled October 1st, 1902, and is now pastor. They have 
had preaching two Sabbaths per month since they were 
organized. They have had only one building, erected in 
1895. Rev. W. W. Orr, D. D., preached the first sermon 
August 8th, 1895. 

Yorkville, S. C. — The church at Yorkville, S. C., was 
organized by the First Presbytery in the fall of 1853. 
Soon after its organization Rev. S. C. Millen, D. D., was 



6l2 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



installed pastor, and continued his ministry until 1857, 
when he resigned. For two years the congregation re- 
mained vacant. In the spring of 1859 Rev. Robert 
Lathan assumed the pastoral charge, and continued until 
the fall of 1884, when he was called to a chair in Ers- 
kine Theological Seminary. Rev. J. C. Galloway, D. D., 
was called in Sept., 1885, and remained until Dec. 31st, 
1893, when he resigned to take charge of Gastonia and 
Pisgah in North Carolina. The church was vacant until 
August 17th, 1894, when Rev. B. H. Grier was in- 
stalled, and he remained until July 3rd, 190 1, when he 
removed to Ora, in Laurens Co., S. C. 

Since that time the church has been vacant for two 
years, but Rev. W. C. Ewart has recently accepted a call 
there and will soon be installed. 

Zalmonah, Autauga Co., Ala. — Rev. Thomas Turner 
preached to some 12 members near Kingston, the county 
seat, Dec. 14, 1835. He received as compensation $5.00, 
also $14.00 for Erskine College. At their request they 
were supplied also the first and second Sabbaths of Feb., 
1836. Rev. Jno. Miller preached one Sabbath in 1846. 

Zion, Ark. — Rev. M. Oates preached his first sermon 
in Yell Co., Ark., July 2, 1871. Three A. R. P. members 
were there then — J. H. Walkup and his wife and sister. 
Mr. Oates continued to visit them occasionally, and by 
order of Presbytery organized Zion church August 2, 
1879, with 14 members. J. H. Walkup and Thomas 
Oates being chosen elders. Mr. Oates preached for them 
four or five Sabbaths a year for about seventeen years. 
Besides this, Revs. W. L. Patterson, J. P. Erwin and J. 
C. McDonald each spent a few months with them dur- 
ing this time. They always paid Synod's per diem. In 
1893 they completed a neat frame church at a cost of 
$600. Rev. J. C. Douglass began work here once a 
month in the summer of 1896, and was installed pastor 



SKETCHES OF CONGREGATIONS. 



613 




CHURCH AND MANSE, HAVANA, ARK. 



in November of that year. This happy relation was ter- 
minated by his death in June, 1900. They had 41 mem- 
bers when he came, and 54 when he died. In 1899 a 
railroad was built through the neighborhood. Mr. Doug- 
lass was much interested in moving the church building 
to the nearest station, then called Greenville, but later 
Havana. This work was completed in Jan., 1900. That 
year Synod appointed Rev. L. Hickman to that field for 
all his time. He was installed their pastor in May, 1902. 
His ministry has been signally blessed in the growth of 
the congregation, its membership having been nearly 
doubled. The congregation built a parsonage in 1901. 
They maintain a flourishing S. S., a Ladies' Soc, and 
a Y. P. C. U. 

Zion, Term., was located in bounds of Tennessee Pres- 
bytery and was ministered to by Rev. S. L. Ralston. He 
"was ordained and installed pastor over Head Spring, 
Zion and Connersville on June 7, 1839." The record 
further shows that he demitted Zion May 1, 1841. Of 
its subsequent history we know nothing and it is now 
defunct. , 



PART IV. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



THE ORGANIZATION. 

ADDRESS BY J. C. GALLOWAY, D. D. 

Birthdays are interesting and important days in the 
history of men and affairs. May 9th, 1803, is such a day 
in our history — a "red letter day" in the history of As- 
sociate Reformed Presbyterianism. 

To understand clearly the causes leading up to the or- 
ganization which we to-day celebrate we must for a mo- 
ment go back up the course of our history. To know a 
man, or a body of men properly, we must know some- 
thing of their antecedents. Of no men is this more true 
than of A. R. Presbyterians. So we must go back to the 
Moss-hags of Scotland, her moors and mountains, to 
bloody Claverhouse and his dragoons, and to the "killing 
time" in Scotland and the birth of Ireland under popish 
rulers. It is therefore not surprising that Associate 
Reformed people have no love for the Romish church 
and as little patience with recent fulsome eulogies of dead 
Popes, when it is the proud boast of that church that it 
has never changed and cannot change. 

In a sense the A. R. church may be said to have had 
her origin in Scotland in 1733, at Gairney Bridge, when 
Ebenezer Erskine, Wm. Wilson, Alex. Moncrieff and 
Jas. Fisher left the established church of Scotland and 



6i6 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



formed the Associate Presbytery. And here let me 
make it plain that they did not secede because of the 
question of close communion, for all held to that, or be- 
cause of the introduction of Watt's hymns — not at all. 

True, the A. R. church did cling to close communion 
until 27 years ago and still clings to our inspired Psalms 
of to-day, (and may she never forsake it) but neither of 
these questions were an issue in her formation. 

Erskine and his noble associates in withdrawing from 
the established church of Scotland were prompted by the 
same motives that actuated Luther in withdrawing from 
Rome, gross errors in the doctrine and practices of that 
church. They were unable to make any headway in pro- 
test against these errors, and when they did solemnly 
protest they were tyranically silenced. To withdraw 
therefore was the only course left. 

The more immediate ancestors of the A. R. church 
came from Scotland and the north of Ireland and settled 
principally in New York State and Pennsylvania and 
the Carolinas. Their first organization in the United 
States was the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, 
in 1753. Then in 1774 near Harrisburg, Pa., the Re- 
formed Presbyterians organized a Reformed Presbytery. 

After the Revolutionary War these two Presbyteries, 
the Associate and the Reformed, formed a union Nov. 
1st, 1782. This took place in Philadelphia, and the re- 
sult of this union was a body known as the Associate 
Reformed Synod, combining the two names — Associate 
and Reformed. 

At the time of this union there were more than 59 so- 
cieties (as they were then called) of Associates and Cove- 
nanters south of the James River, and scattered over a 
wide territory. Both Associate and Covenanter minis- 
ters visited and preached to those scattered societies. 

By order of the A. R. Synod (the body of which we 
have just spoken as having been organized in Philadel- 
phia in 1782) the Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



61.7 



was organized at Long Cane, S. C, Feb. 24th, 1790. It 
was composed of four ministers and 44 congregations. 

In twenty years from its organization the A. R. Synod 
(organized as we have just said in Philadelphia and 
representing all the Associate Reformed people in the 
United States) had grown to such an extent that it was 
deemed wise to divide the Synod into four co-ordinate 
Synods, and organize a general Synod having the powers 
of a general Assembly. This was done and the result 
was four Synods — the Synod of New York, the Synod of 
Pennsylvania, the Synod of Scioto, and the Synod of the 
Carolinas. It is with respect to the organization of this 
last body that we are especially concerned today. 

It is true this is not the name which the A. R. Synod 
of the South bears to-day, but it is the same body. This 
Synod took its present name, the A. R. Synod of the 
South, 19 years after the Synod of the Carolinas was or- 
ganized at the Brick Church. The members of the Synod 
of the Carolinas were so dissatisfied with the tyrannical 
and over-bearing conduct of some of the members of the 
General Synod of Pennsylvania, their centralization of 
power, as the Synod never met except in Philadelphia 
and the growing corruption of doctrine and practice, 
that the Synod of the Carolinas withdrew and became 
independent in 1822, and assumed its present name. 

By order of the A. R. Synod of Pennsylvania the Synod 
of the Carolinas was to have been organized at Ebenezer 
or Brick Church, Fairfield county, S. C, the fourth 
Wednesday of April, 1803. But for some reason which 
is not revealed in the minutes, the meeting was not held 
at that date. But a few weeks later the ministers and 
elders of the First and Second Presbyteries of thfe 
Carolinas and Georgia did meet at the Brick Church and 
the Synod of the Carolinas was organized. 

The territory under the jurisdiction of the Synod thus 
organized was North and South Carolina and Georgia. 
By order of the Associate Reformed Synod of Pennsyl- 



6i8 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



vania, the Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia was 
organized at Long Cane, S. C, Feb. 24th, 1790, with four 
ministers and forty-four congregations. Ten years later, 
in Oct., 1800, this Presbytery was by order of the same 
Synod, the Synod of Pennsylvania, divided into the First 
and Second Presbyteries of the Carolinas and Georgia, 
the line of separation being Broad River, all the territory 
lying west of this river being assigned to the Second 
Presbytery, and all east to the First Presbytery. Trfe 
Synod of the Carolinas as organized at the Brick Church 
was therefore composed of delegates from the First and 
Second Presbyteries of the Carolinas and Georgia. 

As to the causes and motives which led to the organi- 
zation of the Synod the records have little to say. Some 
causes are briefly stated, others are matters of inference. 
One reason was the great distance between the A. R. 
churches in the Carolinas and those in Pennsylvania and 
New York. To attend a meeting of the A. R. Synod of 
Pennsylvania required a long, fatiguing and expensive 
trip on horseback through a wild and mountainous coun- 
try in Virginia and West Virginia. The churches in the 
S°uth were therefore nearly always without representa- 
tion in the Synod which always met in the North. 

To illustrate this difficulty. A few years ago when I re- 
turned from the meeting of Synod at Chicota, Dr. E. E. 
Boyce said to me, "When did you leave Memphis?" I 
said, "Yesterday morning." "You made the trip in 
twenty-four hours, then?" "Yes," I answered. "Well," 
he said, "that reminds me. When I was a missionary in 
the West in my early ministry in 1840, I left Memphis 
on horseback with my saddle bags and it took me 31 
days and you have come in twenty-four hours." 

Dr. D. G. Phillips used to tell it on my father, that 
once on a long trip on horseback to a Synod in the far 
West, when they had been absent from home a month, as 
they were riding along in the mountains of Tennessee, 
father drew a long breath and .said, "Well, I would like 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



619 



to know how Martha and the children are getting along." 

These long wilderness journeys, the absence of all 
postal facilities, for all letters went by hand in those days, 
and the consequent isolation of the A. R. churches in the 
South was one reason for the organization of the Synod 
of the Carolinas. 

Another reason was the rapid growth of the A. R. 
churches, both at the North and the South just at this 
time. Dr. Lathan in his history of the A. R. church 
says of this period, "The number of congregations 
rapidly increased, new Presbyteries were organized, and 
the field occupied by the A. R. church became very ex- 
tensive, embracing the territory included by nearly all 
the original thirteen States, forming the American gov- 
ernment." Our fathers, therefore, felt that this organi- 
zation in the South would be an additional stake of 
strength to the entire A. R. church and cause in the 
United States. Especially was this felt to be true so far 
as the South was concerned. It would stimulate the 
faith and enterprise of the churches in the Carolinas and 
Georgia, and open the way for larger and better things 
in the future. It would throw the churches in the South 
on their own resources, and develop a spirit of self-help, 
both as to money and a supply of ministers — which was 
the great burning question in the churches at the South 
at the time. , 

By way of correcting what I think is a very common 
misapprehension, I will say, that the question of slavery 
and the estrangements which grew out of it between the 
North and South had nothing at all to do with the 
organization of the Synod of the Carolinas at the Brick 
Church in 1803, or the movement which led to the pres- 
ent independent A. R. Synod of the South 19 years later. 
The popular idea is that it grew out of our differences 
in regard to slavery. This is entirely incorrect. True in 
the early history of the church the A. R. people were 
largely and strongly opposed to slavery, and the wing of 



620 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



the church in the North took strong ground against it. 
And first and last, perhaps, the larger part of our church 
left the South and emigrated to the Northwest on ac- 
count of their opposition to slavery. Many of the congre- 
gations of the U. P. church in Illinois, Ohio and Indiana 
were built up by these Southern emigrants. Nearly the 
entire body of Covenanters in the South removed to the 
free States of the West for this reason. This was one 
of the chief reasons for the slow growth of the A. R. 
church in the beginning of the past century. 

I have tried to sketch the causes which led to the or- 
ganization of the Synod of the Carolinas. 

Let us for a moment imagine it is the 9th of May, 
1803, and let us imagine we are on the ground at the 
Brick Church the morning the Synod is to be organized. 
First of all we see a neat brick building standing in the 
midst of a beautiful oak grove on the banks of Little 
River. That house has a history. It was built in 1788 
and still stands. Rev. C. E. McDonald, in his sketch of 
the Brick Church, says that Mrs. Hutchinson, a member 
of the church who died a few years ago, remembers hear- 
ing her mother and others tell that after the crops were 
laid by their fathers and grandfathers would go to the 
brickyard and tramp the mud into mortar with their bare 
feet, put it into mould with their hands, carry it out into 
the sun to dry and then burn the kilns by night and 
day. It took them a long time to get ready to build 
but the building was completed in 1788. And it stands 
to-day as strong and solid as at the first, showing that 
these old men did their work well." This is the house 
where Synod has come to meet presently. And now the 
congregation begins to gather from all quarters. They 
are either all on horseback or on foot, and are all dressed 
either in homespun or buckskin. It is a large congre- 
gation that assembles, for the Brick church is prosperous 
and has many members. The ministers and elders have 
all come on horseback, are dusty and travel worn from 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



621 



their long journey. After cordial greetings (for these 
men are as David and Jonathan) with their saddle bags 
over their arms they enter the church. The Rev. Jas. 
Rogers, pastor of the Brick church, ascends the pulpit 
ladder, for by order of the A. R. Synod of Pennsylvania, 
he has been appointed Moderator. He gives out the 
opening Psalms, reads the Scripture and announces the 
text. It is this, Jer. 3:15, "I will give you pastors ac- 
cording to mine heart which shall feed you with knowl- 
edge and understanding." After sermon the Synod of 
the Carolinas was by him constituted by prayer, and 
entered on a century of labor for the Master and His 
cause. , 

Is it too much to hope that when the great angel shall 
stand on sea and land and declare "time shall be no 
more" that there shall be a General Assembly of the A. 
R. church in session and' doing business for the Master? 

When the roll of this first Synod was called seven min- 
isters, two probationers and six elders answered to their 
names. After a century I will call this roll once again. 
Jas. Rogers, William Blackstock, John Hemphill, Jas. 
McKnight, Alexander Porter, Jas. McGill, and Robt. 
Erwin, ministers. Isaac Grier, Jas. McAuley, 
probationers. 

Elders, Chas. Montgomery, Alexander Stewart, An- 
drew McQuiston, Henry Hunter, Arthur Morrow, Duke 
Bell. All absent to-day. Gone to join the "General As- 
sembly and church of the first born whose names are 
written in heaven." 

I am sure you would like to know something of what 
was done on that day. I have the minute. I will read it. 
But don't be alarmed brethren, this minute is not as long 
as the minute of the present Synod. 

"Whereas, the Associate Reformed Synod at their 
meeting held in New York City, Oct. 21st, 1802, did by 
the fourth resolve of said meeting authorize the First 
and Second Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia, to 



622 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



constitute one Synod to be called the Synod of the Caro- 
linas. Reference had to the printed minutes of said 
meeting will more fully appear. 

And, whereas, the Synod appointed the Associate Re- 
formed Synod of the Carolinas to meet at Mr. Rogers' 
church the fourth Wednesday of April, 1803, to be 
opened with a sermon by the Rev. Jas. Rogers. 

Some circumstances prevented the Synod's meeting at 
the time appointed, but through the good hand of our 
God have we convened at the place mentioned, this 9th 
day of May, 1803. After sermon by the Moderator, the 
Rev. J as. Rogers, from Jer. 3:15, the Synod was con- 
stituted with prayer." Then follows the roll of the 
Synod which I have already called. "The Synod unani- 
mously agreed that the names of members are, as re- 
stricted to ministers, to stand on the test according to 
seniority. It was then inquired whether vacant congre- 
gations should have the privilege of representing them- 
selves by an elder in Synod, and was determined in the 
negative." , 

The reason for this action is evident when we recall 
that there are 50 or more vacant congregations and only 
nine ministers and probationers, and if these vacant con- 
gregations were represented by elders the ministry would 
be hopelessly outnumbered on the floor of Synod. 

"The letter from the General Assembly, (this letter 
was in the nature of a pastoral letter from the General 
Synod of Pa.,) was then read, and inquiry was made as 
to how the members were pleased with the same. 
Whereupon it was unanimously resolved they were highly 
satisfied and thankful for said letter. But with respect 
to covenanting (and the letter had been strong on this 
point,) they wish to make further application to the Gen- 
eral Synod. Adjourned to meet at Monticello Academy 
tomorrow at 9 o'clock. Monticello Academy was only 
a few miles from the church, was at that time a famous 
seat of learning, was under the direction of Rev. Jas. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



623 



Rogers, the pastor, and was patronized by young men 
all over the State. It has always been the policy of the 
A. R. church to put the school house beside the church. 

"Thursday, 9 o'clock, met according to adjournment 
as above and opened with prayer. A motion was made 
and concurred in by the members, namely, the Presbyte- 
ries supply in the bounds of each other for a time ; and 
that the persons sent endeavor to conciliate the minds of 
the people to the Presbytery in whose bounds they live." 
The explanation of this minute is that when three years 
prior to this the Presbytery of the Carolinas and Georgia 
was divided into the First and Second Presbyteries there 
were three or four congregations in each Presbytery 
which were dissatisfied with the division. Some in the 
territory of the First refused to be separated from the 
Second and some in the Second refused to be separated 
from the First. And some of them persisted in this for 
twenty years : You know that when Scotch-Irish people 
are once set in their ways they are apt to remain so. It 
was to conciliate these congregations that this action 
was taken. 

"The following resolution was brought before the 
Synod and unanimously adopted : 

Whereas, as the Rev. Peter McMullen and the Rev. 
Wm. Dickson have declined the communion of the A. R. 
church in a disorderly, schismatical and scandalous man- 
ner; and the reasons accompanying their declinature are 
some of them false and others frivolous, therefore, 

Resolved, that they be suspended from the office of the 
holy ministry and cited to appear before the bar of the 
Synod at their next meeting. They were accordingly 
suspended by the Moderator." A sorrowful story lies 
behind this minute, a story of intemperance and final 
wreck and ruin for at least one of these suspended min- 
isters, the Rev. Peter McMullen. And it eventually 
entailed the gravest consequences on the A. R. church. 
These two suspended, ministers organized another Pres- 



024 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



bytery, the Associate Presbytery, an opposition Presby- 
tery which divided the A. R. church. A religious civil 
war ensued, and for a quarter of a century these two 
bodies, Associates and A. R.'s, who ought to have been 
brothers and one, spent their time and energies largely 
in fighting one another, and so made no progress for a 
quarter of a century, but lost ground which could never 
be regained. How A. R. people ought to hate strong 
drink ! It robbed the church of a quarter of a century of 
progress. 

To resume the minute. "A day of thanksgiving was 
appointed to be held on the second Wednesday of July by 
all the congregations and vacancies. The causes were : 

1. The harmony of the two Presbyteries in the Synod 
into which they have been formed. , 

2. The smiles of Providence on the Missions of the 
General Synod deputed to Europe. (This was to raise 
money to build and equip a Theological Seminary. J. 
C. G.) 

3. That we have a Synod formed in the Southern 
States. 

Adjourned to meet at Hopewell the second Wednesday 
of April, 1804. Concluded with singing the 133 Psalm 
and pronouncing the Apostolical benediction." 

And so the Synod of the Carolinas passed into history. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



625 



THE MEN WHO ORGANIZED THE SYNOD 
AND THE CHURCHES WHICH COM- 
POSED IT. 

ADDRESS BY REV. T. G. BOYCE, D. D. 

It would not be strange if we, even we, the heirs of all 
the ages, should on an occasion like this feel the vain 
wish that Time might turn backward in his flight and 
place us for a little while among the scenes of the past. 
Not that we wish at all to exchange the comforts of to- 
day for the privations and hardships of a century ago. 
Fresh from a ride of some eight hundred miles by rail- 
road to attend this meeting we have no wish to exchange 
that mode of travel, except in very limited doses for the 
good old health giving exercise on horseback. Nor are 
we anxious for the days, or nights rather, when darkness 
was dispelled by tallow candles and pine knots. We are 
not longing to live in the past. We prefer to live in the 
present — and as far into the future as we can. 

But yet we would, if we could, step back for a little 
while into the past and know the men of whom but little 
more than the names — and of some not even that — have 
come down to us. We should like to know if there were 
giants in the earth in those days, or if they were men of 
like passions as we are. We should like to talk with 
them of their work, and worship with them in their un- 
warmed churches of hewn logs. In this way we might 
catch something of the spirit of their rugged force and 
iron nerve, and learn to place a true value on the heritage 
of our fathers. 

But instead of going back, we can only look back 
over the space of a hundred years. And we can furnish 
you with no telescope to enable you to see the men of 
that time at closer range. 

Just what was expected or desired in this short ad- 
40 



626 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



dress we are not sure — but of one thing we are sure — 
the committee who arranged this program did not ex- 
pect any full account of those men and churches or they 
would have given more time for this subject and would 
have assigned it to some other man. 

Some time ago we heard a preacher of some note ex- 
press the wish, in the midst of a rather scattering sermon 
that he had "time to exhaust the text." it seemed to us 
that more than time was needed. And that same thing 
is true in this case. 

Quoting from Dr. Lathan's history of the Associate 
Reformed church, "there were present at the organiza- 
tion of the Synod seven ministers, two probationers and 
six ruling elders." , 

The ministers were James Rogers, William Black- 
stock, John Hemphill, James McKnight, Alexander Por- 
ter, James McGill and Robert Irwin. 

The first named, James Rogers, preached the opening 
sermon at the organization of the Synod and was the 
Moderator of the meeting. He was an Irishman by 
birth, a Scotchman by education — a graduate of Glasgow 
University — and an American citizen by choice. At the 
time of the organization he was comparatively a young 
man — not quite 35 years old — and seems to have been a 
man of more than ordinary power. We might form 
this opinion from his being chosen to preach the first 
sermon and to preside over the first meeting of the Synod. 
And then the records of that time, such as have come 
down to us, speak of him as a man of fine attainments 
and decidedly attractive and popular, both as a preacher 
and as a man. His work was not confined to preaching. 
He was also a teacher of marked ability and success. 

For twenty-four years he was pastor of Cannon's 
Creek and King's Creek in Newberry County, and of 
Ebenezer — the old Brick church. And of the last he 
continued pastor until his death — nearly forty years. 

If he has any living descendants we know nothing of 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



627 



them. Our Second Clerk bears the name and bears it 
worthily. 

William Blackstock was also an Irishman by birth, a 
Scotchman by education and an American citizen from 
choice. He was a man of some eccentricities but of more 
than ordinary independence and energy even for those 
days. His sermons were condensed and solid and de- 
livered with force: and while others measured their 
sermons by the hour, he rarely preached more than 
thirty-five or forty minutes. Indeed, on one occasion 
he interrupted Father McKnight in the midst of one of 
his long sermons and asked him to bring his discourse 
to a close and let the people go home. (For this inter- 
ruption he was not put out of the synagogue nor even 
censured so far as we know, but Father McKnight did 
not think he was prompted from above.) 

In stature he was low, in complexion very dark; and 
when on one occasion he looked out of one of those high 
enclosed pulpits which hid all but his head and announced 
his text, "I am black but comely, O ye daughters of Je- 
rusalem," even our grave and dignified ancestors could 
scarcely repress a smile and are believed to have laughed 
outright after the Sabbath was past." 

But under his Irish wit and his Scotch "dourness" 
there was a tender heart. The wife of his youth died in 
early life under circumstances touchingly painful to him, 
and he carried a lonely heart to his grave. 

His principal work was done in Steele Creek, Neely's 
Creek and Tirzah in Union County, N. C, (now in con- 
nection with the Southern Presbyterian church) of 
which last he was pastor at the time of his death. 

His last sermon was preached at Sardis, N. C, he 
died at the home of Richard Peoples, father of Rev. J. 
H. Peoples, and was buried at Tirzah. I have stood by 
his grave there, near the grave of my mother's father, 
and have thought that while he left no children to bear 
his name on earth his children in the gospel were not 
few. 



628 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



The next name on the roll is John Hemphill, a name 
that belongs to the present as well as to the past, a name 
the very sound of which makes us think of mental power 
and sterling worth. 

He, too, was of Irish birth but obtained his education 
in this country. He graduated at Dickinson College, 
Pa., in 1792 at the age of thirty-one, having been depen- 
dent it seems on his own labor for means to obtain his 
education. The tuition of his theological course he paid, 
in part at least, by marrying the daughter of his teacher, 
Rev. Matthew Linn, of Greencastle, Pa. 

His pastoral charge was Hopewell, Union and New 
Hope ; these last two being organized under his ministry. 
Here he lived and labored; here he left impressions deep 
and lasting; and from this field of labor he sent forth 
influences for good. Wherever the children of these old 
churches have gone — and they have scattered far and 
wide — there the power of Dr. Hemphill's ministry has 
been felt. 

It becomes me to bear personal testimony here. In my 
own charge — people staunch and true — are a number 
whose ancestors were brought up under his ministry, and 
t\$: worthy wife of Salem's first pastor was a daughter 
of Dr. Hemphill. , 

In those qualities that make a man of influence and a 
minister of power he seemed to be prominent among his 
brethren — a Paul among the Apostles. 

He was the only one of the seven to whose name I 
have found D. D. attached — and they do say that capital 
D's meant more then than they do in these days. 

A word as to his descendants. One of them, a grand- 
son, (J. C. Hemphill, Editor of the Charleston News 
and Courier,) we shall hear this afternoon — a man who 
occupies a position of influence second, in my judgment, 
to none in this State to-day. Another (Gen. R. R. Hemp- 
hill) is now and has been for years one of your prom- 
inent legislators. Another (Hon. J. J. Hemphill) was 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



629 



for years one of the leading men in the national Con- 
gress. Still another (Dr. C. R. Hemphill, of Louisville, 
Ky.,) is engaged in training young men for the univer- 
sity in the Presbyterian church. These and others bear 
the name Hemphill. 

It is a matter of regret that that name after being on 
our ministerial roll for nearly a hundred years, is not 
there now. But under the name of Moffatt and Grier the 
Hemphill blood is in our ministry still. 

James McKnight was born near Coddle Creek, N. C, 
and graduated at Dickinson College, Pa., a classmate 
of Dr. Hemphill. In 1797 he became pastor of Coddle 
Creek, Gilead and Prosperity where he preached the 
gospel until his death in 1831. 

In size he was like the children of Anak — weighing 
over 300 pounds ; in voice he was a Boanerges ; in rid- 
ing, like the son of Nimshi. I have heard my father say 
that he generally rode at a gallop and frequently with a 
loose horse galloping along behind. I suppose this was 
to have a change of horses in case the one he was riding 
should give out. 

Those were the days of long sermons, and two of them 
at that; and Father McKnight lived up to the full 
measure of his privileges. Little of the Sabbath was 
spent in the private exercises of worship by those who 
attended his preaching. On one occasion it is said that 
he preached so long that his hearers all left him on ac- 
count of approaching night ; and when last of all the sex- 
ton left, he requested him to shut the door when he got 
through. Whether he preached much longer or not 
there was no one left to tell. 

It is also said that his marriage ceremony was some- 
times an hour long, at the end of which it is believed 
that the couple as well as the ceremony was suitably 
solemnized. How our grandmothers endured it we do 
not know, but we have reason to think that some of them 
did survive. 



630 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



But notwithstanding the length of his sermons, which 
would have rendered him unacceptable in our day, he 
was an able and devoted minister of the gospel, and 
his labors brought forth fruit. 

Alexander Porter was born in Abbeville County, S. 
C, graduated at Dickinson College, Pa., and was pastor 
of Cedar Springs and Long Cane from 1798 until 18 14 
when he moved North. From some incidental references 
we judge that he went North on account of ill health. 
His work was prospering, but it was more than he was 
able to do. After his removal his health improved and 
he continued to preach the gospel for a number of years. 
He left five children, three daughters and two sons— a 
minister and a physician. 

Of James McGill we know but little. He was born in 
Pennsylvania, graduated at Dickinson College and about 
a year before the Synod was organized he was installed 
pastor of Little River and Rocky Springs in Abbeville 
County, S. C. This charge he demitted in 1805 and two 
years later he moved to Ohio where he lived a very se- 
cluded life. He seemed to be partially unbalanced in his 
mind. 

The last of the seven, Robert Irwin, was a native of 
Ireland and obtained his education in Scotland. He 
taught school for awhile near Bethel, Ga., where he 
married a Miss Little. After her death he studied the- 
ology under Rev. Alexander Porter and was elected 
pastor of Generostee in Anderson and Diamond Hill in 
Abbeville County, not long before the Synod was organ- 
ized. This pastorate continued until his death in 1833. 

He was an earnest preacher of the gospel and a zeal- 
ous worker. He made it a point never to make a call 
or visit without giving if possible some religious instruc- 
tion. 

He was twice married, first to a Miss Little, and af- 
terwards to a Miss Gordon, aunt of Revs. N. M. and 
Gilbert Gordon, but left no children. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



631 



This exhausts the lists of ordained ministers. There 
were two probationers, James McAuley and Isaac Grier. 

Of James McAuley I have not been able to learn any- 
thing, not knowing where to inquire for information. 

Of Isaac Grier it would be easy to say more than time 
will permit. He was born in Georgia in 1776 — the first 
Presbyterian minister born in that State. He graduated 
at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and was installed 
pastor of Waxhaw, or Tirzah, Providence and Sardis 
in 1S04. The last he held until near his death, which 
occurred in 1843. 

To say that he did a good and lasting work there and 
throughout the Synod is but a feeble expression of the 
truth. Not only did he leave the stamp of his strong 
and devoted life on his own people, but he was the chief 
stay of the church in her darkest hour. When he saw 
the fathers, Rogers, Blackstock, McKnight and Hemp- 
hill follow each other in quick succession to the grave 
and he left alone of that original band — if he ever fal- 
tered in his principles or weakened in his faith we do not 
know it. His was the strength that was able to stand in 
the day of trial. But he lived to see brighter days. He 
saw the college and the seminary organized and young 
men coming into their father's places. 

We have no wish to bestow undue praise, but if it 
had not been for Dr. Isaac Grier we might possibly not 
have celebrated our centennial to-day. His work in a 
very real sense has covered the whole century. On our 
roll to-day is the name of one still living who was reared 
under his ministry — Rev. Isaac Grier McLaughlin. 

As to his descendants little need be said. They are too 
A^ell known. A son, (Dr. R. C. Grier) and a grandson 
(Dr. W. M. Grier) were Presidents of Erskine College. 
On the campus of the College there stands a marble 
likeness of that grandson, who added honor to an hon- 
ored name. 

Another grandson (Rev. B. H. Grier) bears the name, 



632 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



and bears it worthily, on our roll to-day. another (Paul 
L. Grier) is a Professor in Erskine College. Still an- 
other (Rev. Mark B. Grier) is a missionary of the 
Presbyterian church in China. While a great grandson 
(Rev. R. L. Grier) is also preaching the gospel in con- 
nection with the Presbyterian church. 

This ends the list of ministers. One thing has been 
a mystery to me, why was there no Pressly on that list? 
How the Synod ever managed to organize without them 
we cannot tell. Our U. P. brethren couldn't do it. They 
had to send South for one (Dr. John T. Pressly) nearly 
thirty years beforehand to have him for Moderator of 
their first General Assembly. We can hardly run a Pres- 
bytery to-day (to say nothing of the College and Semi- 
nary) without a Pressly. And when our next Centennial 
comes no name will be so honored as the name of Pressly. 

As to the Ruling Elders in that first meeting of Synod 
■ — six names are given. Charles Montgomery, Alex- 
ander Stewart, Duke Bell, Andrew McQuiston, Arthur 
Morrow, and Henry Hunter. 

Of the first two I have been able to learn nothing — 
not even the churches they represented. I knew not 
where to seek for information. Of the others I knew but 
little more. 

Arthur Morrow was from Cedar Spring and is spoken 
of as an able, useful elder. He was probably the ances- 
tor of the Morrows in that community now. 

Duke Bell was from the Brick Church. Whether or 
not he has any living descendants we do not know. He 
was an uncle of Dr. James Boyce's first wife, and of 
the late C. E. Bell, whose wife and children now live in 
and near Charlotte, N. C. 

Andrew McQuiston was from Hopewell, S. C, and 
his great grandchildren are now officers and members 
of Salem, my own pastoral charge, where the name Mc- 
Quiston stands for strict integrity and solid worth. 

Henry Hunter was from Coddle Creek, N. C. Strong 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



633 



and true himself, his descendants bear that character 
to this day. A grandson (Rev. John Hunter) was the 
only pastor I ever had. Two of his great grandsons 
(Rev. J. S .A. and W. M. Hunter) are here to-day, and 
also three others who bear other names (Revs. J. M. 
Garrison, A. J. Ranson and J. B. Hood.) 

It is a matter of regret that we know so little about 
these ruling elders. Doubtless they were not prominent 
in the organization and business of the Synod But they, 
and men like them were the real foundation on which 
that organization rested and on which it rests to-day. 
Had it not been for them there would been nothing here 
to organize. Like the foundation, not seen ; but, like it, 
they gave strength and permanence to the structure. 
Strong, noble men ! 

As to the churches which composed the Synod — we at- 
tempt only a very brief mention. 

The pastoral charge of Rev. James Rogers was Can- 
non's Creek and King's Creek in Newberry County, and 
Ebenezer — the old Brick Church. The names of these 
churches have not been blotted out, but they are not 
strong. The old Brick Church through removals has 
almost become a memory of the past. 

Rev. William Blackstock's charge at the time of the 
organization was Steele Creek, Neely's Creek, and Ebe- 
nezer, near where the town (or city) of Rock Hill now 
stands. The last named exists no longer. The other 
two are still alive and vigorous with strong active pas- 
tors — S. J. Patterson and Oliver Johnson. 

Dr. Hemphill's charge was Hopewell, where Rev. John 
A. White, the present pastor, was born and reared, and 
where he has preached the gospel for a quarter or half 
a century; Union, the pastoral charge of our honored 
Moderator (Dr. C. B. Betts) and Ebenezer, now New 
Hope, in this county (Fairfield). He, too, had his Ebene- 
zer — "stone of help," — a monument of gratitude to God 
for his help in the past, and a testimony of his faith in the 
help of God in the future. 



634 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Two of these churches, Hopewell and New Hope, are 
weak compared with what they once were, but their 
strength has not been lost to the kingdom. Far and wide 
their children have gone to build up other churches. 

The pastoral charge of James McKnight was Coddle 
Creek, the church of his birth and childhood, Gilead and 
Prosperity. These churches still stand after the lapse of 
a hundred years and are ministered to by R. C. Davidson, 
J. M. Bigham and T. B. Stewart who are all present at 
this meeting. It was in Coddle Creek that our Senior 
Missionary in Mexico, Dr. Neill E. Pressly, was born 
and reared. 

Cedar Spring and Long Cane constituted the pastoral 
charge of Rev. Alexander Porter, the former a very 
strong congregation with over five hundred members, 
now weak because its strength has gone to other churches 
near at hand and far away. Both are still on our roll, 
Cedar Spring at present without a pastor, Long Cane 
under the oversight of Rev. R. F. Bradley. 

Rocky Springs and Little River, in Abbeville county, 
were the pastoral charge of Rev. James McGill. Of 
these we have been unable to learn anything. Their 
names disappeared from the roll we know not how long 
ago. 

Old Generostee, a part of the pastoral charge of Rev. 
Robert Irwin, still lives, with her daughters, Concord, 
Grove, and Iva, around her. Diamond Hill, his other 
cnurch, is a name that belongs to the past. 

Rev. Isaac Grier's charge, over which he was installed 
soon after the organization of the Synod, was Sardis — a 
name dear to some of us — at present the pastoral charge 
of Dr. R. G. Miller; Providence, which belongs to the 
past ; and Waxhaw, or Tirzah, now in the Southern 
Presbyterian church. 

Of the vacant congregations at the time of the organ- 
ization, some are living and growing; some have passed 
away. New Perth and New Sterling, in North Carolina, 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



635 



constitute the pastoral charge of Rev. E. F. Griffith. 
Prosperity, S. C, is a part of the field and force of Rev. 
C. M. Boyd. Due West Corner is no longer a "Corner," 
but a city of some five or six hundred inhabitants, with 
two colleges, a seminary and a church paper, and so large 
to its size that a western man thought from reading the 
Presbyterian that it contained a a population of about 
twenty thousand. (That was before the present editors 
had charge of the paper.) 

Buck Head,, Ga., has changed its name to Bethel, and 
is now watched over by the longest minister of the Synod 
(Rev. J. S. Mills) "the right man in the right place." 
Big Creek, now Ebenezer, was for a long time the charge 
of the venerable Dr. D. G. Phillips and is now ministered 
to by Rev. R. E. Hough. 

Warrior's Creek, in Laurens County, S. C, is now 
known by the name of Ora — the pastoral charge of Rev. 
B. H. Grier. (It is near the old site of "Scuffletown," 
the home of Bro. H. B. Blakely in his youthful days.) 

Some other vacancies are no longer on our roll. At 
that time, history states that we had a church in the city 
of Charleston. Perhaps we might claim one now in the 
person of Maj. J. C. Hemphill, but we believe he doesn't 
make regular reports to Synod. 

Then we find such names as Crystal Springs, Raburns 
Creek, Rocky Springs,, Twenty-Six Mile Creek, in South 
Carolina, and Joppa and Eighteen Mile Creek, in Geor- 
gia. But these "Springs" and "Creeks" have all run 
dry. Most likely they were but weak organizations then. 
Besides these, there were some others which sought 
connection with other denominations or were disorgan- 
ized about the time of the organization of the Synod. 

From this brief outline it can be seen that there was no 
proportion between the field and the laborers. Thirty- 
five churches, besides other preaching stations, scattered 
over three States, and only eight or nine minsters to look 
after this wide field ! Truly the harvest was great and 



6 3 6 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



the laborers few. If only there had been laborers equal 
to the work how different our Centennial might have 
been to-day ! What a call to us to pray now for laborers, 
and to work with untiring energy to gather in the harvest 
ripe around us into the garner of the Lord ! 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



637 



A. R. P. Ministers' Wives. 

Address by Rev. W. M. Hunter. 

(At the Centennial Celebration of A. R. P. Synod, Winnsboro, 
' S. C.) 

Humanly speaking 1 , the ministry get the credit for the 
growth of our Zion. But the wife, too, is an important 
factor, a potential influence, a positive power. 

Our ministers' wives deserve more than a passing no- 
tice. Would that my feeble pen and stammering tongue 
were equal to the task ! 

They have crossed the threshold of affluence and ease 
and turned from society delightful and in harmony with 
birth and education. Not knowing whither they went, 
risked new scenes and new fields, Arkansas fever, Texas 
cyclones, Georgia malaria, Kentucky and West Virginia 
pneumonia and Mexican yellow fever. Did the minister 
have something to risk? She more. 

Not only has she gone from the flowers planted 
and home provided in faith, trusting her master to pro- 
vide a comfortable one, a hearty welcome, wise and judi- 
cious friends to fill the void, but she has been the first, 
the very first, to lay herself on the altar of self-denial. 

The minister must travel, it is usually for his wife's 
health, must expend generally at her charge. If any 
one must stay at home, nurse the sick child, see after the 
endless details of home and farm, wait longest for the new 
bonnet and comfortable cloak, it is the wife in the par- 
sonage who is happy to relieve the situation. Then she 
sacrifices her precious time. It is often frittered away in 
endless calls, numberless little details, doleful wrongs, 
misgivings and misunderstanding poured from both sides 
into her sympathetic ear. Some of these get no farther 



6 3 8 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



than the parsonage sitting-room, save she chooses to tell 
her liege upstairs. 

The demands on her time are simply enormous, yet the 
full tale of the brick is expected in tidy housekeeping 
and generous hospitality. 

She is expected to give up her opinion. Sister Smith 
is kin to the most wealthy and influential members and 
has been running things and having her own way. 
Though the measure proposed by Sister Smith is ex- 
tremely doubtful, uncertain and unwise, yet the pastor's 
wife must graciously surrender or risk doing worse. 

Our wives are first class managers. They can make a 
little go so far, cause the oil and the meal to be indefi- 
nite, multiply in division and add in subtraction. This 
suggests to me ravens' visits while we are in study or at 
Synod. 

She is fertile of resources, can cut two coats from a 
pattern and a half, make 60 cents pay a dollar debt, and 
from a slender pantry set a substantial meal. 

She is a diplomat of no ordinary ability. Eternity 
alone will reveal how often she has corrected the blun- 
ders and self-will of her less half. In oiling the machin- 
ery of the church, many have been the difficulties healed, 
the estranged won, the careless warned. 

She has wrought in private while he worshipped in 
public, she has toiled in lonesome hours, while he so- 
journed in lonely homes, she has kept vigil over their 
sick boy while he kneels with a fevered child far away; 
she has kept the altar at their home while he was kind- 
ling it in another. 

All honor to the uncrowned queens, the unordained 
missionaries, the loyal, devoted consecrated wives of 
A. R.P. ministers! She has won the tired and discour- 
aged pastor back to hope by her gentle manner, womanly 
tact and consummate skill. Half persuaded to enter a 
lucrative office and crush the demon of debt, she, like an 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



639 



angel, stands between him and the precipice, and inspires 
new service by renewed sacrifice. 

We honor the 287 ministers of this Synod who have 
turned their backs on gain and for love of Christ and 
devotion to principle, have gone up and down this South- 
land. But shall that weaker vessel, though bearing the 
heavier load, who follows his field and fortune, "who 
tarrieth by the stuff," not part alike? (1 Sam. 30:24). 
Another volume ought to be printed. How would Mrs. 
James Boyce, Mrs. Jane Young, Mrs. J. C. Chalmers, 
Mrs. Torbit, and hundreds of others of whom the world 
is not worthy, how would they adorn such a book? 

The A. R. P. church is not true to herself to leave out 
the better, to omit the power behind the throne. 

I would not discourage any who may be solicited to 
join this noble band of martyrs. 

With all her trials, if I was a woman, I would rather 
be a preacher's wife than the President's, especially an 
A. R. P. 



640 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Introductory Remarks. 

By Hon. J. N. Miixer. 

I appreciate the honor of presiding on this historic 
occasion, and I regret that the intentional or uninten- 
tional association of two centennial names on the program 
this evening will be broken by the absence of Rev. B H. 
Grier, whose place I have been unexpectedly called upon 
to take. It was historic and suggestive that a Grier 
should introduce a Hemphill. 

I have been considering why I was selected to do 
some of the honors of the evening; and while thinking, 
learned that one hundred years ago, when our Synod 
was organized, our fathers resolved that no vacant 
church should be represented on the floor of Synod by 
elders. 

In according me the honor of presiding this afternoon, 
it is made manifest that something in these days is ac- 
corded to the eldership. 

While we Associate Reformed Presbyterians are cele- 
brating our first centennial, and while one hundred years 
at this stage of the world's history is not a long period 
in some regards, we glory, not only in the centennial of 
our church organization, but glory more in the more 
ancient doctrines on which our church is founded. 

We have now a church complete in all its functions. We 
have our colleges, male and female, our seminary, our 
domestic and foreign missions, our orphanage and litera- 
ture and periodicals and our ladies' and young people's 
societies. Our fathers started without any of these 
great arms of the church. Thus after one hundred years 
we present to the Christian world an organization 
equipped for God's work at home and abroad. And in 
commemoration in part of the work that has been accom- 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



641 



plished, it is my honor this afternoon to present to you 
as one of the orators of this occasion, a distinguished 
citizen of the State of South Carolina, a worthy son of 
Erskine College and a college mate of whom I have most 
pleasant memories, the Hon. J. C. Hemphill, of Charles- 
ton, S. C. 

Scotch-Irish Presbyterianism in History. 

ADDRESS BY HON. J. C. HEMPHILL. 

Mr. Moderator, Ladies and Gentlemen : Scotch-Irish 
Presbyteranism in History is, indeed, a very large part 
of history, and particularly of the history of English- 
speaking people for more than three hundred years. There 
has not been a great achievement in arms, literature, 
science, government or legislation with which it has not 
been associated in some influential degree. The uncom- 
promising enemy of superstition and priestcraft, the pa- 
tron of letters, the teacher of a saving faith in the eter- 
nal verities, the very sanctuary of Truth, it has been a 
dominating force in the elevation of the world of thought 
and impulse and feeling above the miasma of ecclesias- 
tical ignorance into the perfect light of intellectual free- 
dom. Call the roll of the most illustrious martyrs for 
conscience-sake and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians will an- 
swer. The faces of the dead on every battlefield of three 
centuries, where the contest was waged between Right 
and Wrong, Truth and Falsehood, Freedom and Op- 
pression, testify the devotion of these people to their 
faith and duty. In the cold of winter, the heat of sum- 
mer, hiding in caves and dens of earth, starving in the 
wilderness, languishing in prison, burning at the stake, 
it must have been such as they that St. John saw in his 
Apocalyptic vision coming up out of great tribulation 
into the inheritance of the saints in light. 
41 



642 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Presbyterianism is a system of pure representative 
government, says the Rev. Dr. Breed in his work on 
"Presbyterianism and the Revolution ;" has always been 
particularly odious to tyrants, was the first to raise its 
voice in favor of breaking away from British control, and 
was largely instrumental in influencing the American col- 
onies to form the Confederation of States, and then the 
American Union. It is not true that the Federal Con- 
stitution was fashioned after the Presbyterian form of 
Church government — it is true,, however, that while 
strong, earnest and courageous men of other communions 
aided in the work of forming the Union and contributed 
each in some degree to the most perfect system of hu- 
man government that was ever devised, the makers of 
the Declaration and the Constitution were affected deeply 
in their deliberations and conclusions by the Presbyterian 
spirit, then as now exercising a powerful influence upon 
the leaders of public sentiment in this land. 

"The American form of civil government," says Dr. 
Briggs, "was a happy combination of some of the best 
features presented in Presbyterianism and in Congrega- 
tionalism. There is no reason to doubt," Dr. Briggs con- 
tinues, "that Presbyterianism influenced the framers of 
the Constitution in their efforts to erect a national organ- 
ization — a constitutional republic ;" but it was not the only 
factor in the making of the Republic. It vaunted not it- 
self upon its achievements, it was not puffed up ; but it 
was one of the chief factors in planning the deliverance 
of the colonies from the oppression of absentee landlord- 
ism and foreign domination, and in finally winning vic- 
tory. The hands that cleared the wilderness and subdued 
the savage were strong enough to build out of varied 
masses of differing peoples a government that, in spite of 
its many disappointments and failures, is still the wonder 
of the world. 

It was the Presbyterians of Mecklenburg and West- 
moreland who sounded the notes of defiance to King 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



643 



George and his counsellors. As the Rev. Dr. Quigg said 
in a notable address at the dedication of a Presbyterian 
church in Lexington,, Georgia, "Presbyterianism stands 
for a free church polity, simple worship, spiritual life, in- 
tellectual vigor, the nursery of schools and fountain of 
civil and religious liberty." The first contest for lib- 
erty of speech and freedom of conscience was made in 
this country by the Scottish Attorney General of Penn- 
sylvania, Andrew Hamilton, aided by two Presbyterian 
lawyers of New York, James Alexander and William 
Smith. The casus belli was John Peter Zenger, the pub- 
lisher of the New York Journal, in which were printed 
some criticisms of William Cosby, the Royal Governor 
of the Province. His defence was undertaken by the 
Presbyterian Junta of New York, and in spite of the 
adverse rulings of the Court,, and its determination to 
convict, so powerful was the presentation of the case that 
Zenger was acquitted by the jury, without division or 
hesitation. So great was this Presbyterian triumph that 
Gouverneur Morris declared that "the trial of Zenger in 
1735 was the germ of American freedom — the morning 
star of that liberty which subsequently revolutionized 
America." 

There can be no question that liberty of conscience 
and freedom of speech were established in the New 
World by men of Scottish blood. In 1754 the formal 
protest against taxation without representation was made 
by Benjamin Franklin, a Presbyterian, who attended the 
ministry of Samuel Hemphill in Philadelphia and sus- 
tained him when he was charged with plagiarizing his 
sermons, on the ground that he would rather sit under 
the preaching of a minister who could steal a good ser- 
mon than under the preaching of one who could not write 
a good sermon. In 1760, more than ten years before 
the battle of Lexington, the Scotch-Irish of Pennsylva- 
nia rose up in arms against the principle of taxation 
without representation or protection. No provision was 



644 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



made by the Government to guard the settlements in 
Western Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia against 
the atrocities of savage warfare, and the Scotch-Irish in 
Lancaster and Cumberland counties, Pennsylvania, pro- 
vided for their own defence by the organization of sev- 
eral companies of Rangers,, which inflicted terrible pun- 
ishment upon the savage foe and restored peace to a 
desolated region. It is noted by Hanna that probably 
the first instance of the operation of lynch law in America 
occurred when the Paxtang Rangers forced the jail at 
Lancaster and massacred every Indian confined there, 
fourteen in number. Twenty years later the Scotch- 
Irish of Washington County, Pennsylvania, murdered 
in cold blood ninety men, women and children of the 
Moravian Indians. These bloody reprisals were defended 
on the ground that the law was not strong enough 
for the protection of the people. The Captain of the 
Paxtang Rangers was the Rev. John Elder, minister of 
Paxtang and Derry congregations, who tried to restrain 
the bloodthirstiness of his people without avail, and who 
afterwards defended their course as "one of those youth- 
ful ebulitions of wrath caused by momentary excite- 
ment, to which human infirmity is subjected." It is 
of personal interest to me that the Rev. John Elder was 
succeeded in the pastorate of the Paxtang congregation 
by the Rev. Matthew Lind, my great-grandfather. 

The spirit of resistance to foreign oppression which 
was first manifested by the Scotch-Irish of Pennsylvania 
and New York, was the spirit which animated these lib- 
erty-loving people in the Carolinas and in the colonies, 
wherever they had established communities. They ac- 
knowledged final allegiance only to the King of Kings ; 
and remembering their own deliverance from bondage 
and desiring that the freedom which they possessed 
should be extended in larger measure to their posterity, 
and preserved forever, they were the first to declare 
themselves free from British dominion, pledging to the 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



645 



maintenance of this solemn covenant their lives, their 
fortunes and their sacred honor. This declaration was 
made at Charlotte, North Carolina, in May, 1775, more 
than a year before the Declaration at Philadelphia. It 
was drafted by Ephriam Brevard, a ruling elder in the 
Presbyterian Church, and of the convention which 
adopted the Declaration one-third of the members were 
ruling elders. In the seven years war which followed, 
the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians were faithful unto death 
and in every battle of the Revolution fought with unsur- 
passed devotion for the freedom of the Colonies. 

"Driven from their adopted home in the North of Ire- 
land by English persecution," says Douglass Campbell 
in "The Puritan in Holland, England and America," 
"there was burned into their very souls the bitter recol- 
lection of English ingratitude and English broken faith. 
They were un-English in their origin, and they came to 
America, which they have always looked upon as their 
own country — hating England, her Church and her form 
of government with the intensest hatred." "They were 
fitted to be Americans from the very start," says Theo- 
dore Roosevelt in "The Winning of the West," "they 
were kinsfolk of the Covenanters ; they deemed it a re- 
ligious duty to interpret their own Bible and held for a 
divine right the election of their own clergy. For gen- 
erations their whole ecclesiastic and scholastic system 
had been fundamentally democratic." "Kinsfolk of the 
Covenanters?" They were the Covenanters themselves, 
many of them at least, all of them, in fact, in spirit, if 
not in name, were of that uncompromising stock who 
"drew the blood from their arms to furnish ink for their 
pens to sign the solemn league and covenant." In his 
history of Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian 
Church, the Rev Dr. Lathan says : "John Hemphill, the 
father of the second pastor of Hopewell, was a Cove- 
nanter, and in the Covenanter faith and practices he 
educated his children. . . . John Hemphill in common 



6 4 6 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



with the Covenanters, regarded the crown of England as 
stained with the blood of the "Reforming Fathers." 
When John Hemphill (the second pastor of Hopewell,) 
left Ireland he was a member of the Covenanter Church, 
but on coming to America he connected himself with the 
Associate Reformed Synod. He modelled his sermons 
in accordance with the system of sermonizing common 
with the old Covenanter preachers and Secession fathers. 

The people in that day were not raised on chalk water 
and skim milk. The revival machinery of modern up-to- 
date religion, the hand primary, so to speak, the "Resto- 
ration Host" had not been invented then. The people 
were not flooded with the cheap literature of the present 
time. Says Dr. Lathan : "They had treatises on Justifi- 
cation, on Adoption, on Sanctification, on Original Sin, 
on the Attributes of God, on Predestination, in a word, 
on all the cardinal doctrines of the Christian religion. 
They were read and reread in the societies. When one 
individual became tired reading, another took his place. 
Not unfrequently some old man would stop reading 
by asking a question, to which some other old man would 
give an answer. This often gave rise to the most pro- 
found discussion of some important Bible doctrine." 
Old folks and young were grounded in the Scriptures 
and in the Catechism of the Church, which contain its 
testimony to the truths, the understanding of which is 
essential to salvation. 

In his book on "Presbyterianism, the Revolution, the 
Declaration and the Constitution," the Rev. Dr. Smyth 
reviews the active part taken by Presbyterian elders in 
the Province of South Carolina. The battles of the Cow- 
pens, King's Mountain and Huck's defeat turned the tide 
of victor}- to the Patriot arms. Gen. Morgan, who com- 
manded at Cowpens, was a Presbyterian elder, and near- 
ly all the men under his command were Presbyterians. 
Tn the battle of King's Mountain, Col. Campbell, Col. 
James Williams, Col. Cleaveland,, Col. Shelby and Col. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



647 



Sevier were all Presbyterian elders, and the body of their 
troops were gathered from Presbyterian settlements. At 
Huck's defeat in York Co., Col. Bratton and Major Dick- 
son were both elders in the Presbyterian Church." Major 
Samuel Morrow, who served under Sumter, was a ruling 
elder in the Presbyterian Church for fifty years. 

"Concerning the patriotism of the Scotch-Irish," says 
Hanna, "the general testimony of contemporary and later 
writers is to the effect that there were no Tories among 
them, and that they were uniformly arrayed against the 
British." The exceptions only proved the rule that these 
people were faithful in their allegiance to the cause of 
civil and religious freedom which they espoused and for 
which they were ready to die. It was the Presbyterian 
elders who fought the decisive battles of the War for 
Independence ; and to the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians this 
country and the world are indebted for the great leaders 
in American politics who laid the foundations of our in- 
stitutions so firmly and have ever contended valiantly 
for the faith of their fathers. What a galaxy is formed 
by the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians in American history. 
Hanna, to whom I am indebted for so much information 
upon the subject under consideration, says: "Of the 
State Governors from 1789 to 1885 the Scotch furnish to 
Pennsylvania nearly one-half her chief executives ; to 
Virginia nearly one-third ; to North Carolina, more than 
one-fourth ; to South Carolina,, nearly one-third ; to Geor- 
gia, more than one-half; to Alabama, more than one- 
fifth ; to Mississippi, about one-fifth ; to Louisiana, more 
than one-fifth ; to Texas, about one-third ; to Tennessee, 
nearly one-half; to Kentucky, about one-third; to Ohio, 
one-half ; to Indiana, more than one-third ; to Illinois, 
nearly one-third ; to Missouri,, nearly one-half." In 
statesmanship, in war and literature and business, the 
Scotch and Scotch-Irish have held first place in Amer- 
ican achievement. In politics and statesmanship, there 
are John C. Calhoun, Alexander H. Stephens, James 



648 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Buchanan, Alexander Hamilton, Jeremiah S. Black, 
Howell Cobb, James K. Polk, Stephen A. Douglas, Wil- 
liam McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Marcus A. Hanna, 
Arthur P. Gorman, and a host of others whose names are 
written imperishably in the records of the country. An- 
drew Jackson, Winfield Scott,, Zachary Taylor, Stonewall 
Jackson, J. E. B. Stuart, James Longstreet, Nathan B. 
Forrest, John Paul Jones, Oliver Hazard Perry, Frank- 
lin Buchanan, and a glorious company of other great 
fighters and strategists have added lustre to the military 
prowess of this country on land and sea. Washington 
Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, Gilbert Stuart, J. O. A. Ward, 
Joseph Henry, Thomas A. Edison, John Ericson, Robert 
Fulton, Alexander Graham Bell, Asa Gray, A. T. Stew- 
art, Peter Cooper, Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rock- 
efeller,, all of Scotch birth or Scotch ancestry, have illus- 
trated in their achievements in business and literature 
and art and science and invention and in works 
of benevolence the strength of their stock and 
the mastery which has come to this masterful race 
because of the simplicity of its faith and its abiding trust 
in God. It will not be claimed for a moment that all 
Scotchmen and Scotch-Irishmen — and they are just the 
same with the slightest advantage possibly with the 
Scotch-Irish blend — are Presbyterians ; but all of those 
named were either brought up in the nurture and admon- 
ition of the Lord according to Presbyterian standards 
or gained something of moral and spiritual strength from 
association with those who had been so fortunate. 

It is worth noting here, probably, that the Scotch-Irish 
are really Scotch. "The Scotch-Irish are the people who 
came through Ireland to America," Dr. Quigg has ex- 
plained. "The phrase 'Scotch-Irish' is unknown in Ire- 
land, Canada or Australia and is peculiar to the L T nited 
States." The Rev. Dr. Hall, of New York, bore this tes- 
timony upon the question of the identity of these people : 
"I have sometimes noticed a little confusion in relation to 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



649 



the phrase 'Scotch-Irish/ as if it meant that Scotch peo- 
ple had come over and intermarried with the native Irish 
and that a combination of the two races, two places, two 
nationalities had taken place. That is by no means the 
state of the case. On the contrary, with kindly good 
feeling in various directions the Scotch people kept to 
the Scotch people, and they are called Scotch-Irish from 
purely local, or geographical reasons, and not from any 
union of the kind I have alluded to. I haven't the least 
doubt that their being in Ireland, and in close contact 
with the native people of that land, and their circum- 
stances there, had some influence in the developing of the 
character, in the broadening of the sympathies, in the ex- 
tending of the range of thought and action of the Scotch- 
Irish people ; but they are Scotch through and through, 
they are Scottish out and out, and they are Irish because 
in the Providence of God they were sent for some gener- 
ations to the land that I am permitted to speak of as the 
land of my birth." 

"In the country districts," (of Ulster,) says Hanna, 
"the peasant still retains the Scotch 'bur' in his speech; 
devoutly believes in the doctrines of John Calvin and 
John Knox ; is firmly committed against everything allied 
with Popery or Prelacy, and usually emphatic in his 
claims to a Scottish and his disavowal of an Irish de- 
scent." 

There can be no question of what the Scotch-Irish 
achieved in the struggle for American Independence. 
Seven of the first Governors of the thirteen colonies were 
of Scotch-Irish blood. Eight of the most conspicuous 
generals in the army of freedom were Scotch-Irish. The 
Royal Government in London was informed by the 
Royal Governors in America that "the Presbyterian cler- 
gy were to blame for bringing about the Revolution. Pat- 
rick Henry in Virginia; David Caldwell, Ephraim Bre- 
vard, Alexander Craighead and others in North Caro- 
lina ; the Rutledges and Tennants in South Carolina ; Duf- 



650 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



field, Wilson, Thomas Craighead in Pennsylvania ; Smith, 
Rodgers and Livingston, in New York; the Rev. Dr. 
Witherspoon, in New Jersey, who challenged the Conti- 
nental Congress to do its duty by his declaration that he 
would infinitely rather that his grey hairs should de- 
scend to the sepulchre "by the hand of the executioner 
than desert at this crisis the sacred cause of my country 
all these illustrious men and many other of the same 
blood and faith arrayed themselves on the side of free- 
dom. "At that period," says the Rev. Dr. Bryson, "no 
single agency in the country had such tremendous power 
as the pulpit. The ministry were universally a highly 
educated class. They were Calvinists in their creed, and 
they had learned their prnciples of liberty from the Word 
of God," "He that will not honor the memory and re- 
spect the influence of Calvin,," says Bancroft, "knows but 
little of the origin of American independence." "Calvin 
was the founder of the greatest of republics," says Dau- 
bigne. At the time of the American Revolution the 
Scotch-Irish people must have formed near one-third of 
the entire population of the colonies ;" and to the end of 
the struggle they fought on the side of freedom, sus- 
tained by unfaltering trust in God and cheered on to 
even greater sacrifices by brave-hearted women who had 
brought with them to this country the recollection of ter- 
rible tragedies through which they had passed. To these 
quiet, patient sublime sufferers, Dr. Bryson pays this elo- 
quent tribute : 

"What shall be said of the women of the Scotch-Irish 
blood? Glorious women are they. They suffered; they 
endured ; they toiled ; they struggled ; they encouraged ; 
they prayed ; they comforted ; they were wounded ; they 
were sabered ; they were murdered ; they died like he- 
roes ; they were faithful to their sires, their husbands and 
their sons. They have made Scotch-Irishmen the best 
blood in the world." 

It was the custom among the old-time folk to attend 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



651 



church for an intellectual, as well as a religious purpose, 
and it was expected that the attentive hearer would be 
able to give some account of the sermon. Ian Maclaren 
tells about a very good woman in the Church at Drum- 
tochty. 

"It was the birthright of every native of the parish to 
be a critic and certain ones were allowed to be experts 
in special departments — Lachlan Campbell in doctrine 
and Jamie Soutar in logic — but as an auld round prac- 
titioner Mrs. Macfadyen had a solitary reputation. It 
rested on a long series of unreversed judgments, with 
felicitous strokes of description that passed into the lit- 
erary capital of the Glen. One felt it was genius, and 
could only note contributing circumstances — an eye that 
took in the preacher from the crown of his head to the 
sole of his foot; an almost uncanny insight into charac- 
ter ; the instinct to seize on every scrap of evidence ; a 
memory that was simply an automatic register; an un- 
failing sense of fitness ; and an absolute impartiality re- 
garding subject. 

It goes without saying that Mrs. Macfadyen did not 
take nervous little notes during the sermon — all writing 
on Sabbath, in kirk or outside, was strictly forbidden in 
Drumtochty — or mark her Bible, or practice any other 
profane device of feeble-minded hearers. It did not 
matter how elaborate or how incoherent a sermon might 
be, it could not confuse our critic. 

When John Peddie, of Muirtown, who always ap- 
proached two hours, and usually had to leave out the 
last head, took time at Drumtochty Fast, and gave it full 
length, his famous discourse on the total depravity of the 
human race, from the text : "Arise, shine, for thy light 
is come," it may be admitted that the Glen wavered in 
its confidence. Human nature has limitations, and fail- 
ure would have been no discredit to Elspeth. 

" 'They were saying at the Presbytery,' Burnbrae re- 
ported, 'that it hes mair than seventy heads, countin' 
pints, of coorse, and a' can weel believe it. Na, na, it's 
no tae be expeck it that Elspeth cud gie them a' aifter 
ae hearin'.' 

Jamie Soutar looked in to set his mind at rest, and El- 
speth went at once to work. 



652 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



" 'Sit doon, Jamie, for it canna be dune in a meenut.' 

It took twenty-three minutes exactly, for Jamie 
watched the clock. 

"That's the laist, maikin' seeventy-four, and ye may 
depend on every ane but that fourth pint under the sixth 
head. Whether it was the 'beginnin' o' faith' or 'the ori- 
gin,/ a' canna be sure, for he cleared his throat at the 
time.' " 

Peter Bruce stood helplessly at the Junction next Fri- 
day — Drumtochty was celebrating Elspeth — and the 
achievement established her for life. Probationers, who 
preached in the vacancy had heard rumors, and tried to 
identify their judge, with the disconcerting result that 
they addressed their floweriest passages to Mistress Stir- 
ton, who was the stupidest woman in the Free Kirk, and 
had once stuck in the "chief end of man." They never 
suspected the sonsy, motherly woman, two pews behind 
Donald Menzies, with her face of demure interest and 
general air of country simplicity. It was as well for the 
Probationers that they had not caught the glint of those 
black, beady eyes." 

Elspeth Macfadyen was a type of the women of the 
Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Some of us 
have known them, and how much this Church is indebted 
to them for all its glorious history. 

It is difficult to speak of the Scotch-Irish and their 
achievements in terms of moderation; and it would be 
vain to attempt on such an occasion as this anything 
more than the briefest and most unsatisfactory mention 
of what they have done for the benefit of humanity and 
to the glory of God. They were strong and undismayed 
and unconquerable here because, here as there, they be- 
lieved that resistance to tyrants was obedience to God. 
They triumphed in America because they had suffered in 
Scotland and Ireland,, suffered as few other people had 
ever suffered for Christ's sake, not from savage tribes, 
as they suffered in this country, but from two of the holy 
and Apostolic Churches which sought to make converts 
to Christianity by wheel and faggot and bloodshed and 
confiscation and outrage, rather than by the ministry of 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



653 



peace. We do not value the blessings we enjoy because 
they have come to us without privation or discomfort or 
struggle. We do not remember the martyrs, we forget 
that— 

"There blows no rose so red, 

As where some buried Caesar bled." 

and lest we should shock the susceptibilities of the moral 
invertebrates of this age, we pack away the old pictures 
in the attic and forget the testimony of the fathers. It 
is well that we should remember the way we have come 
into our present beatitude of sweetness and light ; through 
what dark caverns the road hither hath run, across what 
raging torrents, around what bloody angles, through 
what fierce flames, under the shadow of how many 
crosses and over the graves of how many of the slain 
for God's sake ! 

To no one of these countries — Holland, France, En- 
gland, Scotland and Ireland — was the Presbyterian 
Church in America so largely indebted as to the North 
of Ireland, says Craighead, and it was here that under 
Henry VIII, and Edward VI, and Mary, and Charles I, 
these devoted people were subjected to persecutions at 
the hands of the Roman Catholics and Episcopalians, 
which chill the blood with horror even after the lapse of 
nearly three hundred years. The Presbyterians would 
not conform to Prelacy or confess to Rome, and they 
were pursued with a fiendishness of cruelty of which we 
cannot now conceive. In the days of the Irish Rebel- 
lion and up to the death of Charles I, the Presbyterians 
passed through the very fires of hell. The principle ob- 
ject of this Rebellion, which was planned and encouraged 
by authority was the destruction of Protestantism. Or- 
ders were given to "spare neither man, woman nor child/'' 
An universal massacre followed. The murdered victims 
were not buried in many places and pestilence attended 
murder. In four months 6,000 died in Coleraine ; in 



654 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Carrickfergus, 2,500; in Belfast and Malone and Antrim 
about 6,000. The carnage rivalled that of St. Bartholo- 
mew. In a small part of Ulster thirty Protestant minis- 
ters were murdered and a large number died in wretched- 
ness and poverty." In this war of extermination the 
Episcopalians suffered more severely than the Presbyte- 
rians, and after this persecution was over the Presbyte- 
rians who survived united with the returning refugees 
from Scotland in re-establishing the Presbyterian Church 
in Ireland. 

The two great enemies of the Church were Popery 
and Prelacy, and the persecutions by the Catholics were 
only equalled in atrocity by the persecutions by the 
Episcopalians — 

But yet at length out of them all 
The Lord did set them free. 

It was because of their terrible experiences under ec- 
clesiastical domination that the Scotch-Irish settlers re- 
sisted every attempt at religious establishments in this 
country and maintained that the mental and moral free- 
dom of its people depended upon the complete separation 
of Church and State. "From their entrance into this 
country," says Dr. Craighead, "as may be seen by their 
conduct in Virgina and New York, they opposed every- 
thing that looked like a union of Church and State, or 
any dependence of the Church on the arm of civil power. 

In the long contest between these monarchical gov- 
ernments and their subjects, the natural and constant 
allies of despotism were Romish and Episcopal hier- 
archies. These were ever the most dangerous, as well 
as the most inveterate enemies of the Non-Conformists 
when they were resisting tyrants. Presbyterians, at least, 
had most to dread from Episcopal Prelates and from 
them they suffered most. The Episcopal Church was 
more frequently in the ascendant and had much the 
greater influence with civil rulers. This influence it al- 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



655 



most invariably used to oppress all outside of its com- 
munion." 

In South Carolina, as in Ireland and Scotland, the Es- 
tablished Church sought to dominate not only the poli- 
tical conduct of the settlers in the back districts, but to 
exact tithes from them for the support of the Establish- 
ment. "The parish was the basis of the civil as well as 
the religious organization of the government," under 
which the Scotch-Irish settlers in the up-country were 
expected to live. The liberty, which was permitted them, 
served only to emhpasize their real subjection to the 
Church ; a condition which, it might have been, expected, 
they would endure only so long as resistance was im- 
possible. To what extent the proscription of these peo- 
ple would have gone is somewhat a matter of opinion 
and conjecture, but the first steps that were taken in this 
colony to unite the civil and the ecclesiastical power 
were not reassuring to those who had sought freedom of 
worship in this New World. The spirit which controlled 
the Church people in the old country manifested itself 
here in a number of ways and in none more clearly 
than in the law declaring that all marriages performed 
by other ministers than those of the Established Church 
were null and void, and that the children born of such 
marriages were illegitimate. It is true that this manifes- 
tation of religious prejudice was speedily overcome, and 
that the obnoxious Act was repealed, but its passage 
showed to what extent the spirit of persecution existed 
in this colony in the beginning. 

In the "Ravenel Records," by Henry Edmund Raven- 
el of the Spartanburg Bar, it is said that within the space 
of ten years preceding December 31, 1775, something 
over £164,000 were advanced from the public treasury 
for the support of the Church in this colony. "The estate 
of the Episcopal Church, drawn more or less from all de- 
nominations by law, was computed in 1777 to amount 
to £330,000; and the sum paid by Dissenters to this 



6 5 6 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Church in the ten years previous to 1775 was stated to 
be more than £82,013 10 shillings. The whole number 
of the Established Churches in 1777 was twenty, while 
those of the Dissenters were seventy-nine in number, 
and in general were much larger than the others." 

The Huguenots, we are told by Edward McCrady in 
his History of South Carolina Under the Royal Govern- 
ment, had no disposition to quarrel with the administra- 
tion of the Government, nor had the German settlers 
on the Edisto, or the Swiss on the Savannah. "But the 
case was very different with the Scotch-Irish Presby- 
terian who was now coming into the Province. The 
Church had held out no kindly hand to him. On the 
contrary, it had rewarded his zeal and heroism in the 
Protestant cause with oppression and wrong. It had not 
sheltered him as a refugee as it had the Huguenot in the 
crypt of Canterbury and in St. Mary's Chapel of St. 
Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. On the contrary, it had 
driven him from his home. The Huguenot did not ob- 
ject to a liturgy; he was accustomed to use one. But 
this the Scotch-Irish Presbyterian could not endure, for 
that had been one of the points upon which Knox had 
differed with the English Reformers. He had left Ire- 
land because he would not use it ; was he to do so now in 
the wild woods of Carolina? Then the system of gov- 
ernment was based here, as it had been in the old country 
which he had left, upon the Church of England. He 
could only be represented in the Assembly by having the 
lands which he and his people had taken up made into a 
township and then into a parish. All this was the more 
distasteful to him because his own social and civil sys- 
tem was itself based upon an ecclesiastical idea — a church 
polity of its own. If the old St. Philip's Church was a 
part of the Constitution of South Carolina as Westmin- 
ster Abbey was of the British Constitution, so around the 
old 'Waxhaw Church' in Lancaster — the first church 
above Orangeburg — was formed the settlement which 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



657 



gave tone and thought to the whole upper country of the 
State." 

Conditions have changed, and, thanks to the Scotch- 
Irish Presbyterians, and their religious congeners, it is 
hardly possible that the world will again be cursed with 
Popery and Prelacy as it was in the days of the martyrs. 
To the Presbyterians, as we believe, have been committed 
the oracles of God ; the Church which has come down in 
unbroken line from Moses to Christ, and from 
the Apostles to this day. Said Bishop Lightfoot, of Dur- 
ham, "the most learned of all the Bishops of the Church 
of England," in his essay on the Epistle to the Philip- 
pians that,, "the early constitution of the Apostolic 
Churches of the first century was not that of a single 
Bishop, but of a body of pastors indifferently styled 
Bishops or Presbyters, and that it was not until the very 
end of the Apostolic age that the office which we now 
call Episcopacy gradually and slowly made its way into 
Asia Minor ; that Presbytery was not a later growth out 
of Episcopacy, but that Episcopacy was a later growth 
out of Presbytery. . . . These were, from the commence- 
ment of the Middle Ages down to the Reformation, large 
exceptions from the principles of Episcopal government, 
which can be called by no other name than Presbyterian." 

In essentials the great Presbyterian family are of one 
mind. There are differences among them on some minor 
points of doctrine or practice perhaps — on the 
question of Psalmody and as to the use of instru- 
mental music in the service of the Church, etc. ; 
but on the fundamentals of their faith, though 
many as the billows they are one as the sea. Un- 
der the Presbyterian system the Church is regarded as a 
spiritual commonwealth, not as a political power. Its 
theology is Augustinian, as elaborated by John Calvin. 
All the Reformed Churches, as Dr. Quigg has explained, 
were Calvinistic in creed. "Each movement of the Re- 
formation, though self-originated, was thoroughly Cal- 
42 



6 5 8 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



vinistic, simply as the result of Bible study. The Re- 
formed Church was Presbyterian. The French Church 
as much as the Kirk of Scotland. In 25 years after Cal- 
vin began his work there were 2,000 places of worship 
with nearly half a million of worshippers in France 
alone." Ambrose Willie preached to a congregation of 
20,000 people in France in 1556. In the same year Peter 
Gabriel spoke to tens of thousands. "In less than a half 
a century this system had gained nearly one-half of 
France, embracing every great mind in the land." White- 
field "was called the Calvinistic establisher of Method- 
ism." "Calvinism and Methodism were, for a time, sy- 
nonymous terms, and the Methodist was called an- 
other sect of Presbyterians." The theology of the Epis- 
copalians is Calvinistic in some measure, and before his 
recent death Pope Leo XIII. declared that the events 
of Providence were ordered and what had been ordained 
would come to pass. 

"John Calvin's emphasis upon God's holiness," says 
the Rev. Dr. McGiffert, "made his followers scrupulous- 
ly, even censoriously pure ; his emphasis upon God's will 
made them stern and unyielding in the performance of 
what they believed to be their duty ; his emphasis upon 
God's majesty, paradoxical though it may seem at first 
sight promoted in no small degree the growth of civil 
and religious liberty, for it dwarfed all mere human au- 
thority and made men bold to withstand the unlawful 
encroachments of their fellows. Thus Calvin became a 
mighty force in the world." 

Last month the two hundredth anniversary of Jona- 
than Edwards's birth was celebrated at Stockbridge, 
Massachusetts, with imposing services and in many 
churches throughout the country the most eloquent eu- 
logies were paid to the memory and achievements of this 
great man. "He borrowed the essential features of his 
theology from Calvin, as Calvin had borrowed them from 
Augustine and Augustine had borrowed them from the 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



659 



Roman law. But to their interpretation and defense/" 
says Dr. Lyman Abbott, "he brought a mind of singular 
acuteness, a philosophical scholarship extraordinary for 
his time if not for any time, an intellectual courage rarely 
equalled and never surpassed by any religious teacher in 
the history of the Church." In the opinion of one of his 
commentators he that would understand the significance 
of later New England thought must make Edwards the 
first object of his study." There have been many and 
wide departures in New England from the stern and 
unyielding faith taught by Jonathan Edwards. Univer- 
salism, Unitarianism, Mormonism, Mary Baker G. Eddy- 
ism are possibly the protests of wicked and froward 
generations against the system of religion represented by 
this uncompromising interpreter of the justice and ma- 
jesty of the Almighty. 

The meat was too strong for the so-called "Reform- 
ers" who had neither the understanding ear nor the 
applying conscience. It is claimed that the Edwards' 
system of theology "has now only an historical exis- 
tence ;" that "no minister preaches it ; no Church believes 
it; no theological seminary teaches it, except with modi- 
fications which Edwards would have rejected with indig- 
nant disdain." However that may be, diligent search 
would fail to discover any improvement in the theology 
or morals of present-day believers. If the preachers of 
this "outworn creed,," as it is called by the ungodly, 
would shock society and the clubs of our day and time by 
declaring the penalties of the law for its violation never- 
theless their preaching exercised a powerful influence in 
moulding the civilization of our country. 

The Calvinistic system was made for men of sound un- 
derstanding, not for the mentally infirm. The mastery 
of the text books of the Church — the Catechism, the 
Confession and the Scriptures — required a particularly 
alert intelligence. There is no modern method of mne- 
monics that compares with the system in which Presby- 



66o 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



terians of earlier generations were trained. "The first 
book of discipline drawn up by John Knox provided that 
a school be erected in every parish for the instruction of 
youth in religion, grammar and the Latin tongue, and 
also that a college in every notable town should be estab- 
lished." In these schools and colleges the mental and 
moral faculties were thoroughly educated, and this in- 
struction was supplemented by the school of the family 
and the school of the Church. 

"God did from all eternity of His sovereign pleasure, 
and by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, 
unchangeably ordain all things that come to pass. God's 
decree fixes the eternal destiny of angels and men, but 
on principles strictly just and benevolent. Good angels 
are predestinated to life, evil angels to destruction. A 
part of our apostate race are, of the riches of God's 
grace , predestinated to obtain life eternal through the 
mediation of Christ ; while the rest are, for their sin, pre- 
destinated most justly, as all might have been, to ever- 
lasting death." 

That is the faith of the Associate Reformed Presby- 
terian Church. It is the faith in which the prophets 
and preachers and evangelists and martyrs believed, the 
faith which has sustained this venerable body since its 
organization one hundred years ago, through all the mu- 
tations of time and against all the enemies who have 
sought to sap its foundations and impeach its testimony. 
It is a glorious faith. What has it not accomplished for 
the elevation of the human race, for the inspiration of the 
living, for the comfort of the dying, for the consolation 
of the bereaved ! Surely we are compassed about by a 
great cloud of witnesses. Who are they that join in the 
singing of the Psalms, "Lift up your Heads, O, ye 
Gates, that the King of Glory may come in?" Who are 
they, indeed,, but the holy men of God, by whose labors 
have we been brought into this goodly place? What a 
grand company it is ! The Boyces and Griers and Press- 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



lys and Hemphills and Youngs and Flennikens and 
Brices and Sloans and Bonners and Millers and Gallo- 
ways, and Hunters and McDonalds, and a host of those 
to whom they ministered faithfully here, now numbered 
together among the saints in glory everlasting. What 
an inheritance we have who live after them ! What an 
inspiration we should find in this holy place and in such 
spiritual company for loftier conceptions of duty, for 
deeper consecration to higher living! 



662 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Associate Reformed Presbyterianism 
and Education. 

By Rev. E. B. Kennedy. 

The history of education in the Associate Reformed 
Church is a familiar story. It has been told many times. 
It has been told with a love that was blind to defects and 
diffusive in praise. It has been told with well intended 
criticism that magnified imperfections and minified ex- 
cellencies. It has been told by the statistician who saw 
the small corps of teachers, the short roll of students, 
the buildings and endowments, but saw not the faith and 
love and hope that breathed and thrilled and throbbed in 
the body of the words and acts of the fathers and sons 
of the church. 

He is the wise man who knows his weakness as well 
as his strength. Let our history be faced with candor. 
Let it be told with frankness. We love our institutions 
and point with just pride to their successful sons, and 
say, "These are our products." But every country has 
produced its great men. Every institution may point to its 
illustrious names. I can conceive of no study which, sys- 
tematically and persistently pursued, will not result in an 
educated mind and a strengthened will. "Great men 
were trained in the schools of the Greek sophists and 
Arabian astrologers, of the Jesuits and the Jansenists. 
There were great men when nothing was taught but 
School Divinity on Canon Law; and there would still 
be great men if nothing were taught but the fooleries of 
Spurzheim and Swedenborg." It has been justly ob- 
served that it is the general course of those who patron- 
ize an abuse to attribute to it every good which exists in 
spite of it, and to take it for granted that we are in- 
debted to them for all the talent which they have not 
been able to destroy. It does not comport ill with love 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



66 3 



for our institutions to compare them with others. Let 
the comparison be made. Let us seek the truth. Let 
the pride we feel in reviewing our progress be tem- 
pered with modesty. It has been remarked that an in- 
dividual should not be more proud of his knowledge, 
because he participates in the universal improvement, 
than he is vain of his speed, because he is flying along 
with the earth and everything upon it, at the rate of 
seventy thousand miles an hour. It is only when we are 
going forward in comparison with others that we have 
ground for merited pride. 

But criticism, even that criticism which would rouse 
from lethargy and stimulate to action, sometimes does 
scant justice and oftentimes much harm. Criticism is 
never creative itself, nor ever conducive to the creative 
spirit in others. It is one thing to find fault, it is another 
to remedy. Pulling down is not building up. 
Some things things ought to be pulled down. But the 
destructive spirit is less noble, and is less in demand, 
than the spirit that is constructive. An institution must 
not be charged with the faults of the age or circum- 
stances not of its making. The college may say to the 
church give us more members with as much justness as 
the church can say to the college give us more students. 
Truth is, no college has been more ready to serve its 
church, no church has been more loyal to its college 
than Erskine College has been ready to serve the As- 
sociate Reformed Church, than the Associate Reformed 
Church has been loyal to Erskine College. 

Again,, if the history of rulers and of battles is not 
the true history of a nation, no more is that the true his- 
tory of education in the Associate Reformed Church 
which gives facts and dates, but makes no mention of 
the discussions, debates and resolutions of the Synod 
relative to this work. That is not an adequate history 
of Erskine College, the center of the church's education- 
al work, which fails to give an account of the scholar- 



66 4 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



ship and anecdotal side of the presidents and professors, 
of the students' troubles and festivals, of the junior 
exhibitions, society celebrations, and commencement days. 

Obviously then, I do not purpose to give a full history 
and it will be evident I have not given a justly propor- 
tioned history, of the educational work of our church. 

before 1803. 

One hundred years ago, scattered over the Carolinas 
and Georgia for the most part, were some nineteen hun- 
dred Associate Reformed Presbyterians. They had in- 
herited from Scotland and Ireland a high standard of re- 
quirement for the Christian ministry. A candidate for 
ordination to this office must have received a thorough 
classical training at some college and have pursued a 
theological course of study either at college, or under the 
direction of some minister. The Associate Reformed 
Church, of which these nineteen hundred were only a 
part, had established Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., in 
1783. Here most of the candidates for the ministry in the 
Associate Reformed Church, for the first fifteen years 
after its organization, received both their literary and 
theological training. As early as 1796 the Associate Re- 
formed Church discussed the founding of a theological 
seminary. In 1801 the Rev. John M. Mason was sent to 
Great Britain and Ireland to solicit donations for a sem- 
inary and authorized to purchase with the funds collected 
books for the library. After fifteen months he returned, 
having collected about five thousand dollars, the most 
of which was spent for the library. In 1804 the Rev. John 
Mason, one of the ablest men and foremost preacher of 
America, was chosen Professor of Divinity, and the city 
of New York fixed as the place for the seminary. This 
was the second theological seminary established in 
America. Twelve years before the Associate Presbytery 
had established the first in Beaver County, Pa. 

After the Synods of Scioto and the Carolinas had 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



66 5 



withdrawn from the General Synod of the Associate 
Reformed Church, a portion of the remaining part united 
with the Presbyterian Church, and managed to consoli- 
date the theological seminary at New York with that at 
Princeton and transfer the library from the former to the 
latter place. At the suggestion of the Associate Re- 
formed Synod of the South delegates from the Synod of 
the South, the West, and New York met in convention 
to take steps to recover this library and re-establish the 
seminary. After long years of litigation the library was 
restored to the Synod of New York. 

ORIGIN OF COLLEGE AND SEMINARY. 

But while it is interesting to note the active part our 
fathers took in the early educational work of the Asso- 
ciate Reformed Church, our chief interest lies in the work 
done among the people of our Synod since its organiza- 
tion in 1803. To meet the requirements for the ministry 
in the early days of the Synod, our young men were de- 
pendent on the old field schools, few, inefficient and of 
uncertain continuance, on the very few academies, and 
on the still fewer colleges. 

In a paper read before the State Teacher's Association, 
at Spartanburg in 1894, Prof. Morrison of Clemson Col- 
lege quotes from various sources showing that the educa- 
tional condition of the South in the last quarter of the 
eighteenth century and the first quarter of the nineteenth 
century was primitive and pathetic. General McCrady, 
who gives the most favorable account of colonial educa- 
tion in South Carolina, can enumerate only twenty-two 
scholars of all kinds in the entire State at the close of the 
Revolutionary War. An eye witness of a scene on Sul- 
livan's Island the day after the battle of Fort Sumter 
writes : "And indeed to see the looks of our poor sol- 
diers, when those great ladies, all glittering in silks and 
jewels, and powdered and perfumed so nice, would come 
up to them, in faces like angels, sparkling and smiling 



666 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



so sweet, as if they would kiss them ; I say to see the 
looks of our poor fellows, their awkward bows and broad 
grins, and other droll capers they cut, no human being 
could have refrained from laughing." When Gov. Rut- 
ledge presented his sword to Sergeant Jasper and offered 
him a commission, the gallant officer replied : "I am 
greatly obliged to you, Governor, but I had rather not 
have a commission. As I am, I pass very well with such 
company as a poor sergeant has any right to keep. If I 
were to get a commission, I would be forced to keep 
higher company ; and then, as I don't know how to read, 
I should only be throwing myself in a way to be laughed 
at." Ex-Governor Perry in an address delivered in 1878 
said : ''Thirty years ago I rode all through the counties 
of Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Abbeville, and Greenville, 
taking the testimony of very aged witnesses in a great 
law suit then pending in the city of Mobile, involving 
several hundred thousand dollars and the legitimacy of 
a highly respectable family of young ladies. The wit- 
nesses who appeared before me were mostly born before 
or during the Revolutionary War. I was greatly sur- 
prised and not a little shocked to find that almost all of 
the old ladies examined were unable to write their names, 
and had to make their marks to their depositions. They 
were in good circumstances and mothers of prominent 
men in their counties." 

Such being the condition of education among the 
masses, the minister as a "finished classical scholar and 
thorough theologian" was not inappropriately called the 
parson, being easily chief person. At the beginning of 
the last century the public school system had not been 
established in the territory of the Associate Reformed 
Church, and we may believe that the first educational 
work done by the fathers of the church was done in 
maintaining schools for elementary instruction. 

Among the very few academies of that time were those 
of Rev. James Rogers, at Monticello, Fairfield County, 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



667 



S. C.j and of Eleazer Harris in York County, S. C. 
While the former was not controlled by the church, it 
was presided over for more than a quarter of a century 
by an Associate Reformed minister and largely patron- 
ized by Associate Reformed people. The latter, known 
as Ebenezer Academy, was taken under the care of the 
Synod in 1825. Both of these were established in the 
early part of the century. Perhaps there were other 
schools which are justly entitled to be mentioned, but I 
have no record of them. 

Out of the need of education among all classes, and 
especially out of the need of those who expected to enter 
the ministry, was born the church's desire and purpose 
to establish educational work of its own. This need, al- 
ready deeply felt, was emphasized by two things, the 
growing political animosity between the North and the 
South, and the pronounced infidelity of Dr. Cooper, 
President of the South Carolina College. We had no 

o 

college of our own. Our young men having the ministry 
in view had been attending Northern institutions, prin- 
cipally Jefferson College and Miami University. But 
bitterness had increased to such degree between the two 
sections of country that in 1834 the Synod declared in a 
resolution, " that in their opinion it is prejudicial to the 
Southern church to send our young men to the North or 
West, either to college or to a theological seminary." 

Thus shut off from the North many of our people 
looked to the South Carolina College. But here trouble 
of another kind existed. Thomas Cooper, whom Jeffer- 
son thought "the greatest man in America in the powers 
of his mind and in acquired information, and that with- 
out a single exception," but whom John Adams regarded 
as "a learned, ingenuous, scientific and talented mad- 
man," became Professor of Chemistry in the South Caro- 
lina College in 18 19, and a year later the President of this 
institution. Born in London, for a short time a resident 
of Paris and congenial associate of the Revolutionary 



668 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



spirits there, Cooper came to America and settled in 
Pennsylvania. For many acts of petty tyranny, brow- 
beating counsel, witnesses, and parties to a suit, he was 
impeached by the Senate of Pennsylvania and removed 
from the office of Judge. For a violent attack made on 
President Adams in the press he was fined four hun- 
dred dollars and imprisoned six months. This restless 
and disagreeable man, in private conversation, classroom 
lecture, and pamphlet, attacked the authenticity and 
genuineness of the Scriptures. He hated the clergy 
venomously, and in his report to the legislature in 1822 
charged that "the most powerful obstacle to the prosper- 
ity of this institution is the systematic hostility of the 
clergy generally, to every seminary of education which 
is not placed under their government and control." The 
Associate Reformed Synod of the South at its next meet- 
ing prepared and ordered to be published in one of the 
papers of the State an address denying the charge and 
appealing from the "illiberal, unrighteous and sweeping 
charge of the learned president against the ministers of 
reconciliation, to the candor and good sense of the 
Christian commonwealth." Pres. Cooper continued 
covertly and openly to attack the Bible, and the Christian 
people did not cease to oppose President Cooper from the 
time of his installation. In 183 1 John P. Pressly, a 
graduate of the South Carolina College, and afterwards 
an A. R. P. minister, introduced in the house of repre- 
sentatives the following: "Resolved, that in the opinion 
of this house it is expedient that the Board of Trustees 
of the South Carolina College do forthwith investigate 
the conduct of Dr. Cooper, as President of the South 
Carolina College, and if they find that his continuance in 
office defeats the ends and aims of the institution, that 
they be requested to remove him." The board found 
nothing against the president. The historian of the col- 
lege says the board made the exculpating report through 
sympathy for the old gentleman. The cry of "reorgani- 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



669 



zation ! revolution j" which had been raised from the 
mountains to the seaboard was now heard louder than 
ever. Dr. Cooper gave up the presidency, but retained a 
position as teacher. But even this did not satisfy the 
people, and in 1834 he severed his connection with the 
college. The college suffered seriously in the loss of stu- 
dents and of public favor on account of Dr. Cooper's in- 
fidelity. Ever since the college authorities have been 
careful to avoid any irreligious tendency, and have been 
stricter than most State institutions and many denomina- 
tional ones in having religious exercises and in requir- 
ing attendance on public worship. Dr. Lathan credits 
the Associate Reformed people for being among the first, 
if not the first, to raise the alarm and start the opposition 
to Dr. Cooper. 

The need of education among our people, and the few 
facilities for supplying the need, offered the invitation 
and imposed the necessity for some kind of educational 
work by the church. The sectional difference made the 
church feel more than ever thrown upon its own re- 
sources. The trouble in the South Carolina College sug- 
gested the possibility and fear of a similar recurrence and 
impressed the importance of a college which would pro- 
vide helpful religious influences as well as guard against 
harmful ones. 

Such were the causes which led to the founding of 
Erskine College in 1839. It was the first denominational 
college in the State, and perhaps the first in the whole 
South. It is interesting to note that the charter was at 
first refused by the legislature, and not granted until 
1850, although active efforts were made to secure it. 
The opposition to the granting of a charter came from 
the friends of the South Carolina College, who wished 
that the latter institution might be paronized by all parts 
of the State and thus become the means of uniting the 
different sections. The friends of Erskine believed that 
the way to get right with men is to get right with God. 



670 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



The Synod believed then and the Synod believes now, 
that there is a vast difference between universities in 
which religion is offered as an optional study, and col- 
leges in which it is the chief cornerstone and crown. 

SUCCESSIVE STEPS. 

If we except the classical schools established in the 
early part of the century, such as Ebenezer Academy in 
York County, and James Rogers' school in Fairfield 
County, the first step taken by the Synod in edu- 
cational work was at its meeting in 1825. Then the 
synod established a theblogical seminary by electing 
Rev. John Hemphill professor of didactic and polemic 
theology, and Rev. John T. Pressly professor of orien- 
tal languages, Biblical criticism, and church history. 
Without buildings, without library, without' salary, these 
men, living one hundred miles apart and doing regular 
pastoral work, performed the duties of teachers assigned 
them until Mr Hemphill, burdened with age and infirm- 
ity, resigned in 1827, and Dr Pressly removed to Pitts- 
burg in 1 83 1. In the meatime, efforts were made to 
collect funds and a library for the seminary. While the 
seminary and the college as now constituted have sepa- 
rate funds, separate boards, and separate faculties, the 
two are one, one in purpose and one in history. It is 
not a change to a different subject when we note the next 
step of the Synod in 1834 as an effort to establish one or 
more schools on the manual labor system. At the next 
meeting of Synod in 1835 this purpose was abandoned as 
impracticable or undesirable. But in a series of resolu- 
tions adopted at the same time on the subject of educa- 
tion, agents were appointed to collect and treasurers to 
manage funds to assist in the education of young men 
having the ministry in view. It was resolved to establish 
a school at Due West Corner, Abbeville district, S. C, 
with John S. Pressly as teacher. Seven thousand and 
thirty-five dollars were collected, a building was erected, 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



671 



and the school opened the first Monday in February, 
1836, with twenty classical scholars. The school was 
called the Academy at Due West Corner. The next year it 
was incorporated as Clark and Erskine Seminary. Rev. 
Samuel P. McCracken of Miami University, having de- 
clined to accept the position of Professor of Divinity to 
which he was elected in 1836, Dr. E.E.Pressly was elected 
to fill this place in 1837. In 1839 J omi S. Pressly 
resigned as teacher of Clark and Erskine Seminary. The 
Synod in this year changed the name to Erskine College 
and enlarged the list of faculty and the course of study. 
The first faculty was : Rev. E. E. Pressly, President 
and Professor of Moral Science; Neil M. Gordon, Pro- 
fessor of Languages, pro te'm; and John N. Young, 
Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, pro 
tern. By 1843 a new building had been erected at a 
cost of seven thousand and ninety dollars. 

FINANCES. 

For the first years of its history the college was sup- 
ported by tuition fees and occasional donations and be- 
quests. In 1853 a movement was begun to raise an en- 
dowment. A fund of $50,000 was raised which was 
afterward increased to $70,000. The flourishing college 
had closed its doors early in the war, but resumed work 
again in 1865. All but thirteen or fifteen thousand dol- 
lars of its endowment had been swept away. The young 
men had been scattered, impoverished, slain, the college 
had a struggle to live. In 1867 a successful effort was 
made to secure two hundred men who would give twenty 
dollars each for five years in return for a scholarship for 
each twenty dollars. Again in 1871 the Synod resolved 
to raise an endowment of $100,000. By the sale of 
scholarships, which were to expire in 1895, donations 
and bequests, about $80,000 were raised. , 

At the semi-centennial celebration of Erskine in 1889 
an honored son of the college arose in the alumni meet- 



672 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



ing and proposed that we give our mother a new dress. 
She had worn the old since 1843. The suggestion fell 
on an atmosphere already electric. The movement then 
started was accelerated by the burning of the old build- 
ing in 1892. At this time some advocated the removal 
of the college to another place, on the ground of better 
advertisement and larger patronage. Discussion and de- 
bate waxed warm. When it was settled that the insti- 
tution should remain at Due West, advocates and op- 
ponents united hearts and hands to build a bigger and 
better college. The present spacious college building, 
the College Home for boys, and Wylie Home for girls, 
stand as monuments to the zeal and liberality of some 
who were untiring in their efforts and generous in their 
gifts. 

At its meeting in 1902 the Synod resolved to raise a 
Twentieth Century educational fund of $50,000 in the 
next five years, one half for Erskine College, one 
fourth for educational work in connection with foreign 
missions, and one fourth for the Due West Female Col- 
lege, provided that this institution was placed under the 
control and became the property of the Synod. The 
canvass is being successfully prosecuted, and about one- 
half of the amount has been raised. At various times 
donations and bequests have been made to college and 
seminary by persons whose names are household words 
in the Synod. With the college endowment $88,803.13 
the Theological Seminary endowment of $55,756.88, 
college buildings of not less value than $73,000, the 
Synod has for educational work a plant of about $220,- 
000, besides adequate libraries and a fine laboratory. 

INNER GROWTH. 

The inner growth of the college has kept pace with 
its outer development. The improved exterior appear- 
ance is an index of a new spirit infused into it. In 1893 
the Chair of English Literature and Language was added 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



673 



to the curriculum. This was a tardy recognition of the 
value of the study of a literature "wider in its scope, 
sounder in its philosophy, purer in its morals, and im- 
measurably richer and more extensive than the frag- 
ments of all the dead tongues that remain in the world." 
Of a language, in force and copiousness, second to that of 
Greece alone. My partiality for this department of 
study and my consequent familiarity with the efficiency 
with which it is conducted in Erskine will permit me to 
say of it, without seeming to fail in the least to give due 
credit to the thoroughness of the work done in the 
other departments, that I would rather have the instruc- 
tion given the English course in Erskine than that given 
in the same course in any other college in the State. 

The establishment of the Chair of English was fol- 
lowed by an enlarged course in the natural science and 
the arrangement of studies leading to the B. S. degree. 
Education which had so long been hellenized and ro- 
manized was invigorated with new life. Some appre- 
hended a loss of patrician flavor in the plebian touch 
of the laboratory. It was the old and oft debated ques- 
tion of the classics as against science. The question 
has been wisely and satisfactorily settled by leaving it 
to each student to settle for himself. The studies 
changed were less significant than the spirit of the 
change. It was the triumph of a protest older than 
Milton, who two centuries ago contended for an educa- 
tion which should be natural in method and useful and 
noble in results. He advocated beginning with things 
concrete and near and proceeding to those abstract and 
remote. He protested against debasing noble literatures 
to the making of grammarians and philogians. "Though 
a linguist should pride himself to have all the tongues 
that Babel cleft the world into,, yet, if he have not 
studied the solid things in them as well as the words 
and lexicons, he were nothing so much to be esteemed 
a learned man as any yeoman or tradesman competently 
43 



674 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



wise in his mother dialect only." While Milton's first 
two ideas of education condemned in a manner the study 
of the classics, his third idea of nobleness condemns 
no less what seems to have come in with the study of 
the sciences. In the opinion of Phillips Brooks, there "is 
a decay of nobleness, a certain prosaical minuteness, a 
certain sordidness, a certain dry economy in our day, 
when the highest culture is distrustful of enthusiasm, 
when eloquence is not in favor in our schools, when the 
average teacher is more afraid of exuberance than of 
dryness in his pupil." 

The classics have a higher value in ministering to this 
nobleness than science has. But higher than the clas- 
sics and science together is the value of what is called 
Christian education. Among the marked changes of re- 
cent years is the increased attention given to the study 
of the English Bible in both the College and the Sem- 
inary. The Scriptures either with regard to the prin- 
ciples they teach, the lives they record, the spirit they 
breathe, or the language in which all is clothed, stand 
alone amidst all literatures, sacred or profane, ancient or 
modern, for instruction in noble principles and inspira- 
tion to noble life. 

Chancellor MacCracken, of New York University, 
said recently : "I wish we could require from every 
freshman a Sabbath School diploma that would certify 
he knew by heart the Ten Commandments, the Sermon 
on the Mount, a church catechism of some kind, and a 
score of the Scripture Psalms and best classic hymns. 
This university will join any association of universities 
and colleges that will demand this as an entrance re- 
quirement. So much as in us lies, we will make the col- 
lege a place for preserving and strengthening reverence 
for things divine." Dr. Gilman, for twenty-five years 
President of Johns Hopkins University, now says that 
"for literary, historical, rhetorical, and moral reasons 
the Bible ought to be useful in schools of every grade, 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



675 



public and private." Greece had her temples, Rome had 
her tables, but Christian States, partly through unwar- 
ranted assumptions of students' previous familiarity, 
neglect the study of Christian literature and Christian 
institutions. Yet the church has its names as prominent 
and potent in shaping the destinies of nations and in- 
dividuals, its martyrs as numerous and true, its councils 
as eventful, its thoughts as original, its feelings as deep 
and pure, as any nation or any literature on earth. 
It rears its structure in every community. It perme- 
ates society and legislation. I believe its study is 
more profitable than knowledge of the details of 
a defunct and mummied civilization, too remote for 
idiosyncrasies to be distinguished from essentials. 
Rufus Choate advises his law students to study theology 
for the mental discipline, and those who have threaded 
their way through theological subtleties will not dispute 
the wisdom of the learned jurist's advice. 

OTHER SCHOOLS. 

With the addition of another full professorship in the 
seminary, the reorganization of the Preparatory Depart- 
ment, the establishment of Presbyterial schools at White 
Oak, Ga., Troy and Bethany, S. C, Mission schools in 
Mexico, and a school at the orphanage, the church is 
more actively and largely engaged in educational work 
than ever before in its history. The purpose of the mis- 
sion schools reminds us of the purpose of the founders 
of Erskine College. 

If it is proper to make a record of James Rogers' 
school in the early part of the past century, it is proper 
to mention the Huntersville High School which for a 
number of years was in a flourishing condition under 
Rev. W. W. Orr, and gave to the college and the church 
some of our best men. Perhaps there are still other 
schools, as Jones' Seminary for young ladies at All 
Healing, N. C, which ought to be mentioned. 



6?6 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



DUE WEST FEMALE COLLEGE. 

One other school must be mentioned. It has stood for 
nearly half a century, side by side with Erskine College, 
under the shadow of one of the principal churches of 
the denomination, singing the church's songs, teaching 
the church's daughters. It does not receive the church's 
money, it is not controlled by the church's boards, it is 
called undenominational, but however labeled, in warp 
and woof, in fibre and in dye, it is Associate Reformed 
Presbyterian if Erskine College is Associate Reformed 
Presbyterian. Its presidents have been servants of the 
church, loyal and faithful, and the church would be 
poorer by far today if the Due West Female College 
had never existed. The Synod now has under considera- 
tion the purchase of the property and control of the in- 
stitution. The reason the church has never aided this 
college is not because of the Salic law which so long 
denied or ignored woman's right to knowledge, but be- 
cause the college has prospered so well without that aid. 

PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION. 

Let me recur to the principles in education for which 
the church has stood. We have all experienced the pur- 
pose and enthusiasm with which we have begun a day, 
or task, or profession. And we have all felt that purpose 
weaken and that enthusiasm subside in the progress of 
our work, as we have felt the throb of the engine when 
the ship starts but have not felt it when the ship was 
well under way at sea. Erskine has stood for a liberal 
and a Christian education. There never was more 
need than to-day for the church to stand for such educa- 
tion, and to stand firm. We pride ourselves on 
having never asked what was popular and expedient, 
but what is true and right. The spirit that animated the 
six hundred ministers in the cradle of our history to 



4 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



lose their living rather than their principles, the spirit 
that strengthened twenty thousand Presbyterians to lose 
their lives rather than violate their conscience, the spirit 
that fired the hearts of the Scottish soldiers to raise the 
bonny blue flag, bearing the legend, "For Christ's Crown 
and Covenant," the spirit that has prompted the Reform- 
ers, the Associates and the Associate Reformed people, 
to stand for the right even if they have to stand alone, 
is the spirit that has prevailed in all the history of edu- 
cation in our church. To-day it combats the error that a 
liberal education is unpractical, and the error that a 
Christian education is narrow. 

There is a widely prevalent feeling that college edu- 
cation is a luxury, wasting time, weakening energy, creat- 
ing a distaste for the practical affairs of life, filling with 
conceit that destroys sympathy and fellowship with the 
common people. It is claimed the college graduate 
emerges from a cloister and comes into a world where 
language is still to be learned and skill still to be ac- 
quired. This is not the opinion of educators like Presi- 
dent Eliott of Harvard, who advocated before the New 
York Chamber of Commerce a college education from 
a business standpoint, basing his judgment on observa- 
tion of the careers of thousands of college graduates. 
This is not the opinion of thoughtful business men who 
speak from an extended experience, like the managers 
of various large business enterprises who are quoted 
by President Thwing in the October North American 
Reviezv as saying that while the college man will find 
himself behind the boy with whom he parted company 
on leaving the high school, he will in a few years over- 
take and pass the latter, through keener perception and 
hnore comprehensive grasp. Nevertheless college educa- 
tion is not valued by many as an aid to success in busi- 
ness, and in consequence of this opinion many are skip- 
ping the college and entering at once in to active busi- 
ness, or the technical and industrial, or professional 



678 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



schools. But the main end of education is not to become 
rich. It may justly be demanded of education that it 
add to the material warmth and happiness of the world, 
but education is an end in itself. The ability to read has 
a commercial value, but who would sell his power to 
read for money? Manhood, not money, is the motto of 
Erskine. The college has been modernized and, with 
an unchanging* purpose must have constantly changing 
methods to adjust itself to the changing conditions. But 
Erskine can never stoop from its high work to teach the 
tricks of finance and" ^methods of business. 

Erskine has stood also for a thorough education. Wide 
reading is often at the sacrifice of deep thinking. Cul- 
tivators of the soil are now adopting the intensive system. 
Students are attracted to large universities by the many 
courses of study. But a university does not multiply 
one's faculties or increase his capacities. There is no 
magic process to impart the knowledge of a great li- 
brary. A university is only an aggregation of courses. 
Graduation does not mean that one has completed all 
the courses. It means one course has been completed 
and that course no better than is offered in a small col- 
lege. The university has advantages. So has the col- 
lege. In the college the various departments are better 
correlated, and the studies in the same department are 
more closely and logically related, than can well be the 
case in the university. 

But above all else Erskine stands for Christian educa- 
tion. Engraved in a marble slab above the college door 
was written in Hebrew : "The fear of the Lord is the 
beginning of wisdom." Below was inscribed in Latin : 
"Scientia cum moribus conjuncta." . There is a polish 
acquired from the drawing room and public functions 
of state and great cities, a familiarity with things and 
a readiness of conversation, a certain versatility of intel- 
lect, which comes from contact with men and the glitter 
and glare of great universities , and the great world. But 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



679 



for depth of thought and emotion, for grasp and grip of 
opinion, for soberness and saneness of sentiment, for 
liveliness and purity of imagination, there is no influence 
so potent as the presence of the Spirit of God, whether 
felt near the ceaseless roar of the ocean, beneath the si- 
lent twinkling of the stars, or under roofs hallowed by 
the breath of prayer and the memory of the sainted dead 
and the pious living. 

When the Creator of life, of all life and of every life, 
who knows the value of life, came to this world, He 
came not as a great financier, teaching how to make 
money. That is important. He came not as a great 
political economist and statesman, teaching how to gov- 
ern men. That, too, is important. But He came saying, 
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteous- 
ness." He came asking, "What shall it profit a man ? if he 
shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul." The 
kingdom frnust be sought. The soul may be lost. The 
religious element, although as much a part of a man 
as the mind or body, may be dwarfed and starved by 
neglect. The bird has instinct to fly, yet the mother- 
bird teaches and coaxes her young to fly. The babe 
has the organs of speech, but if removed from the sound 
of the human voice, it will only chatter as the monkey. 
And the one method of growing, as well as of knowing, 
is doing the will of God. I know nothing of the boulder 
at the mountain's foot nor the rock on its top, but when 
the two are brought together I know they are parts of 
each other, because the indentations and prominences 
of one, fit to the prominences and indentations of the 
other. I know nothing of the law of optics, nor the mech- 
anism of the eye, but when light is brought to the eye, I 
know the eye was made for light. I know nothing of the 
properties of acoustics and nothing of the anatomy of the 
ear, but when sound is brought to the ear I know the ear 
was made for sound. I know nothing of theology and 
nothing of psychology, but when the soul is brought 



68o 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



to God I know the soul was made for God. Erskine 
teaches astronomy and teaches geology, but teaches also, 
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Not 
by telescopic view of the worlds in the heavens, nor 
by microscopic inspection of the worlds on the earth, but 
by doing the will of God, shall we know the doctrine 
and enter into the kingdom. 

The Associate Reformed Presbyterians have com- 
pleted a century of educational work. This work has 
not been without errors. The results are not imposing, 
but of Erskine College and the Theological Seminary, the 
main products of the church's efforts, we are proud. 
The College has been true to the purpose of its founders 
in giving a thorough, a liberal, and a Christian educa- 
tion and in serving as an ally to the church. Since its 
establishment in 1839, Erskine has given to the world 
674 graduates, of whom 174, or thirty-six per cent., have 
entered the Christian ministry. , 

In telling our history of labor and love, of sacrifice 
and faith, one may be pardoned for forgetting the ac- 
curacy of a judge in the veneration of a worshipper. 
Other institutions may be larger and wealthier. But to 
Associate Reformed people they are not dearer. For 
Associate Reformed people they are not better. Though 
the walls be not tapestried and wainscoated with rich 
and antique woods, nor adorned with mosaic and fres- 
coed with Raphaelite touches, yet the wife loves the 
home above the lordly mansions of the rich because it 
is the gift of the sacrifice and love of husband, to whom 
the food of her preparing tastes sweeter than the studied 
menus of Delmonico's hostelries, and the flowers of her 
planting bloom fairer than the gardens of the florist. 
The son who puts his weekly earnings into the family 
purse causes the parents a happiness which could know 
no appreciable increase, though his driblets were mines 
of Colorado silver or California gold. The daughter, 
whose little words of kindness and little deeds of love 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



lighten and brighten and sweeten and cheer is 
lovelier than the princess be jeweled with pearls 
and diamonds and rubies and gold. Though parents 
be sometimes too forgetful and sometimes too cold, 
yet children like to come and be children still, and 
listen to the old stories told many times before. For we 
all soon learn, that though far we may wander, there is 
no place like home. Within this circle hearts are one. 
Wealth may wed misery. Poverty may wed peace. 
Hearts make home. The past is worthy and full of in- 
spiration. With united hearts and united hands the 
future will excel the past. For the church, beginning 
a second century of educational work, I pray, "Peace be 
within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For 
my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, 
Peace be within thee." 



682 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Associate Reformed Presbyterians and 
Missions. 

By Rev. S. W. Haddon. 

For the sake of convenience, Missions are usally di- 
vided into two parts, and designated by the terms Home 
and Foreign. But they are only two gigantic arms of 
one still more gigantic work — a world's evangelization. 
Xot only in those distant lands that lie beyond the sea, 
but in the very neighborhood of our churches, do we 
find men and women living without God and without the 
gospel. "Till the field at your feet and send others to 
till the field you cannot reach." This is the duty of every 
Christian, for only thus will the world's field be sown 
with the seed of the Kingdom, and wave with harvests 
for God. 

"As the root sustains and supports the tree, both in 
the sunshine and in the storm, so does the Home Mission 
work give life, vigor and size to our work in foreign 
lands." Therefore, no work is so important and so 
necessary as that in the home field, and nothing should 
so call forth the prayers and consecration of our people. 
If we would convert the world, America must first be 
laid at the feet of Christ, and if we would have the 
beautiful songs of inspiration reverberate throughout 
the world, they must first be sung around the firesides 
of our homeland. We must first devote our attention 
to Home Missions. It is only thus that we can sustain 
Foreign Missions. 

"One of the features," says Dr. Robert Lathan, "of 
the Associate Reformed church is that it has always been 
a missionary church." Missionary efforts in the Home 
field began at an early period in the history of our 
Synod. In 1819 it ordered the Rev. John T. Pressly to 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



683 



spend two months in laboring among the scattered va- 
cancies in Georgia and Alabama, during which time he 
rode more than 900 miles and preached on every alter- 
nate day. In 1822, the Rev. Isaac Grier spent three 
months and the Rev. William Blackstock three and one 
half months as missionaries in the West, the labors of the 
former being confined to the settlements in Georgia and 
Alabama, while those of the latter extended as far as 
Obion County, Tennessee. These missionary tours were 
repeated yearly by some member or members of the 
Synod. The Missionaries,, Blackstock, Pressly, Strong, 
Grier and Harris traveled over all the territory now 
embraced in the States of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, 
Tennessee and Kentucky. On one of these tours a mis- 
sionary would ride on horseback through a sparsely 
populated country, more than 2,000 miles, preaching 
twice every Sabbath and often on week days. These, 
and other pioneers of our church, endured hardships as 
good soldiers of Jesus Christ ; they were instant in sea- 
son and out of season ; they perilled their lives for the 
cause of the Master and the good of their fellowmen ; 
and, going about everywhere to preach the gospel, they 
have embalmed their names in the sweetest memories of 
the church. They shrank from no dangers, counted no 
costs, and were terrified by no privations, but went forth 
in the strength of the Master beseeching men to be rec- 
onciled to God. , 

Perhaps the longest and most arduous, as well as most 
dangerous missionary journeys, was made by the Rev. 
H. Bryson, who was to Middle Tennessee what Doak 
was to east Tennessee or Blackburn to north Alabama. 
This tour was made by the order of his Presbytery. It 
occupied about twenty months, during which he must 
have traveled . from three to four thousand miles on 
horseback through a country that was just opening to 
civilization, part of it being still in possession of the 
savages, over mountains infested with robbers, across 



684 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



streams without bridges or ferriers, through countries 
destitute alike of roads and postroads and without com- 
pany. He explored the whole land from middle Tennes- 
see down towards the Gulf of Mexico, passing through 
the canebrakes of south Alabama and going as far South 
as the Hammocks of Florida, preaching at almost every 
town from Huntsville and Athens on the north by way 
of Tuscaloosa as far as settlers were found. Then going 
back into south Alabama along the Indian trail and cross- 
ing the bridgeless streams, he preached to the people 
whom he had before gathered for a time, intending to 
go directly from there to South Carolina, but owing 
to the hostility of the Creek Indians, he tried a flank 
movement higher up the Alabama and Coosa Rivers. 
After undergoing many dangers and much fatigue he 
turned up into Tennessee and preached with his accus- 
tomed acceptance for awhile, and then went to South 
Carolina to attend the meeting of his Presbytery at 
Cedar Springs, where he was ordained to the full work 
of the iministry Nov. 3, 1827. 

This good man never complained of the hardness of 
his lot, but went on in the prosecution of his chosen 
work. For months and months his dear old mother 
could hear nothing of her "mission boy," but ever and 
anon she was hearing of some unknown traveler in the. 
West found murdered by the roadside, and like many 
another praying mother, when she went to the throne of 
grace did not know how to pray for the beloved son, 
thinking it as probable that he was in heaven as in the 
wilds of the West. But her agony of suspense came at 
last to an end by the appearance of the tired mission- 
ary riding up to Cedar Springs church one Sabbath 
morning just as Dr. Pressly was going in to preach a 
sermon with reference to the supposed death of his be- 
loved Timothy, as he was accustomed to call him, and 
thought to have fallen by the hand of a highwayman 
away in some gorge of the mountains. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



68 5 



5 Think for a moment of the joy of that good mother 
when she saw her darling son return safe and sound 
to the old homestead. Think how she would listen and 
cry by turns as he would recount the many dangers safe- 
ly passed, of the hungry souls that he had fed, of the 
rivers he swam, of the hunger and cold he had endured 
and where is there a Christian mother that would not 
rather have borne such a son than to have given birth 
to Julius Caesar? Christian mothers, how many of you 
can loan a son to the Lord as long as he lives to preach 
the gospel to a perishing world? 

But the efforts of our church in the Home field were 
not confined to the States on this side of the Mississippi 
River. When our people began to join the mighty 
throng that crossed the father of waters in search of new 
homes in Arkansas and Texas the Synod sent them 
ministers to gather them together and preach to them 
the gospel. Consequently we have flourishing congre- 
gations in Arkansas and Texas, and the work is being 
pushed in Oklahoma. When the A. R. Synod of the 
Carolinas was organized May 9, 1803, there were seven 
ordained ministers and about 2,000 members, while to- 
day we have 104 ordained ministers and about 12,000 
communicants. The Board of Home Missions has had 
much to do with the growth of our church at home, and 
strange to say, it is the youngest of the boards of the 
Synod, having been organized at Pott's Station, Ark., 
Oct. 25, 1888. The entire membership of the church at 
that time was 7,666, and in 1899, it was about 11,500, 
an increase of nearly 4,000 during this period of ten 
years. And this decade was also notable for the number 
of congregations organized and church buildings erect- 
ed,, the majority of which were under the auspices of the 
Board of Home Missions, the total number of congre- 
gations organized being 14, twelve of which erected 
houses of worship at a total cost of $52,480. During 
this period several evangelists were appointed by the 



686 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Board who did efficient work in different parts of the 
Synod. They preached 1,600 sermons, received 2,600 
members into the church and obtained $9,000 in con- 
tributions. "No other Christian denomination in our 
land can show a larger proportionate gain, greater ac- 
tivity or richer liberality on the part of its membership 
during the same period. Truly the Lord hath done 
great things for us whereof we are glad." But let us 
not be satisfied with what we have done in the past. Let 
us seek from heaven a fresh baptism of zeal, energy and 
enthusiasm, and redouble our efforts in the home field. 

Although our Synod from its organization, had given 
considerable attention to Home Missions, yet the work 
of Foreign Missions had been prosecuted in a somewhat 
desultory and haphazard fashion. In spite of the com- 
mand of the great captain of our salvation, "Go ye into 
all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," 
to which is annexed the inspiring promise, "Lo, I am 
with you always, even unto the end of the world," the 
fathers of our church were apparently indifferent to 
Foreign Missions, and many years passed away before 
any effort was made to systematize missionary operations 
in the Foreign field, or to provide funds for this purpose. 
But the fact that most excites our wonder is that more 
than a third of a century had passed away before there 
was a single mention of the subject of sending the gospel 
to the heathen. Individual contributions were made here 
and there amounting to a few hundred dollars, and in 
1839 Synod created a Board of Foreign Missions and 
directed it to forward the money on hand to the Re- 
formed Presbyterian church as a contribution to their 
work in India. 

In 1840 overtures were made to the Covenanters to co- 
operate with them in the foreign field, but it seems that 
nothing came of the matter. Then in 1843 a commit- 
tee was appointed to consider the expediency of estab- 
lishing a mission in some foreign land. One year later 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



687 



this committee recommended the Indian tribes located 
in the Southwest, and the West Coast of Africa, as suita- 
ble fields. While it seems that the mission to the Indians 
was never even seriously considered for so'me unknown 
reason, in 1845 a committee was appointed to select a 
suitable location for a school for educating negroes to do 
mission work in Africa. It was generally thought that 
white men could not endure the deadly miasmas of the 
West coast. And an additional committee was appointed 
to select two negro boys out of the number that might 
be offered who were to be placed at once under the care 
of the Rev. Neill E. Gordon of Kentucky, and trained 
for the work. Two negro boys were actually selected 
and placed under his care for this purpose ; but the whole 
scheme proved to be a wretched failure in the end. 

But in the meantime, while this experiment was being 
made at home, and before the final result was known, 
the Synod ordered the Board to open a training school 
in Liberia. Thos. Ware, a negro of unknown antece- 
dents, was placed in charge of it. He died in 1849, an d 
the Rev. H. W. Erskine, a white [missionary sent out to 
Liberia by the Board of the Presbyterian Church 
in this country, then took charge of our educational 
work in that land. The government of Liberia 
donated a lot of land to our Synod for education- 
al and religious purposes. The amount of this 
land is not recorded, nor is it known certainly whether 
Synod took steps to erect any buildings on it. At 
one time the Board accepted three negro men who 
were to be sent out to Liberia, and there educated side 
by side with the natives for missionary work; but it is 
likely that they were never actually sent. After a trial 
of a few years the arrangement with 1 the Rev. Erskine 
proved unsatifactory and was discontinued. Still the 
plan was not abandoned, though the prospect seemed 
gloomy. But finally the whole scheme had to be 
given up. 



688 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



We should be very grateful to God that this signal 
failure did not prove disastrous to the cause of missions. 
The church, while evidently discouraged, was not ut- 
terly disheartened. The congregations were ordered to 
make a special offering for Foreign Missions at each 
Spring communion. The Board of Foreign Missions 
was dissolved because there was no further need of its 
existence. But in 1859 it was reorganized, and ordered 
to look up a new field for missionary work. In 1861 the 
Civil War broke out, and the needy condition of the 
heathen was for a time forgotten. After four years of 
unexampled bloodshed and courage, the war closed, 
but its dreadful effects remained. The country was in a 
most deplorable condition, property had been great- 
ly destroyed, congregations had been greatly depleted, 
the college and seminary had both been closed, endow- 
ments had been swept away in common with private es- 
tates, and thousands of our young men slept in soldiers' 
graves. Nor was the era of reconstruction much less 
dreadful than the war itself. The church needed all her 
resources and energies to begin the work of gathering 
up the fragments and organizing her scattered and de- 
moralized forces. The ranks of the ministry had been 
thinned by age and death, and there were no others to 
take their places. The college and seminary must be 
reopened or the church will cease to exist. But we need 
not dwell longer on this dark and sombre picture. Suf- 
fice it to say that during those trying times, there was no 
place in the mind of the church for new enterprises. The 
great heathen world and its needs were almost entirely 
forgotten in the effort to meet the demands at home. 
This state of affairs lasted about a decade. The Board 
of Foreign Missions still existed, but its existence was 
largely perfunctory. , 

In the fall of 1873 our Synod met at Mt. Zion, Mo., 
and then the United Presbyterian Church sent overtures 
for co-operation in the foreign field. The spirit of mis- 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



689 



sions, which was not dead but only slumbering, awoke 
and manifested surprising life. From the Synod the in- 
terest and zeal spread over the entire church. Mr. W. 
A. Wilson, a student of theology, offered himself for the 
foreign field. He was promptly and eagerly accepted. 
Steps were at once taken to collect the needed funds, 
and the response of the church was prompt and gener- 
ous. Egypt was the field selected. But the church was 
doomed to another disappointment, for the newly ap- 
pointed missionary was compelled on account of family 
afflictions to decline the work. Still the purpose of en- 
gaging in foreign mission work was not abandoned by 
the church, nor was her enthusiasm abated. The at- 
tention of the Board was next unanimously centered on 
Miss Mary E. Galloway, whose qualifications for the 
work were pre-eminent and conspicuous. But they were 
more manifest to others than to herself, and so when 
the closed door stands open before her she hesitates, and 
waits to see if the call is really from God. Just at this 
juncture, not by coincidence, nor by accident, but by 
providence an earnest appeal came from the Board of the 
U. P. Church that we would add one missionary to the 
company that was soon to sail for Egypt. The matter 
was quickly decided, and preparation for an early depar- 
ture was begun. This kindled an enthusiasm which 
spread over the entire church. Perhaps no event in our 
past denominational history had awakened and called 
forth so much feeling, or a more unanimous and hearty 
response than the sending out of our first missionary to- 
the foreign field. It marked the beginning of a new era,, 
and the infusion of new life and energy into every de- 
partment of the church's work. The number of minis- 
ters was increased, the membership was soon doubled, 
and the financial resources were multiplied manifold. 

Mrs. Mary Galloway GifTen fell on sleep in Cairo, 
Egypt, Oct. 16, 188 1, after six years of faithful service. 
A great wave of sorrow swept over the church when it 
44 



690 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



was known that our first representative in the foreign 
field had passed away. , 

Three years before this sad event, an independent 
mission had been established in Mexico, and the Rev. 
N. E. Pressly and wife sent out as missionaries. After 
spending a year in the City of Mexico, acquiring the 
language these missionaries planted our first mission in 
Tampico, which is the most important city in the terri- 
tory assigned to our church by the missionary forces in 
the Republic. From this mustard seed, which is the 
smallest of all seeds, there sprung up a tree which is 
increasing in size year by year. Time forbids us to 
dwell upon the details of the work which has developed 
so successfully in the land of the Aztecs ; but we will say 
that in 1887 our force was increased by the sending 
out of the Rev. J .S. A. Hunter and wife; in 1891 Misses 
Stevenson and Boyce ; in 1883 the Rev. J. R. Edwards 
and wife ; in 1899 Miss Lavinia Neel, Miss Kate Neel 
and the Rev. J. G. Dale; and in 1901 Miss Fannie L. 
Wallace. , 

Every name in this goodly list that has just been men- 
tioned deserves a tribute of commendation and praise 
for faithful, earnest and self-denying labors in the service 
of the King and Head of the Church. Dr. A. T. Pier- 
son well says : "The missionary embodies the highest 
types of human excellence and his profession is of the 
noblest kind. He has the enterprise of the merchant, 
without the narrow desire of gain ; the dauntlessness of 
the soldier, without the shedding of blood ; the zeal of 
the geographical explorer, but for a higher motive than 
science." , 

As a church, we have great reason for gratitude to 
God for the manifest tokens of approval, and the mani- 
fold blessings of his grace and spirit on our mission in 
Mexico. There we have four foreign male missionaries, 
four female missionaries, six native pastors, five female 
native teachers and helpers, eighteen congregations 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



691 



and stations, and two hundred and ninety-five com- 
municants. Such an exhibit ought to strengthen 
our faith and increase our devotions to those whom 
God has called and honored in making them co- 
workers with Him in sending the gospel to the 
lost in Mexico. As a final word, let me say, in the 
language of Bishop J. M. Thoburn, "The signs of 
the times, the lessons of the past, the indications of 
the future, the call of providence, and the voices which 
come borne to us by every breeze, and from every nation 
under heaven, all alike bid us lay our plans upon a scale 
worthy of men who expect to conquer a world." "Go ye 
therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy 
Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I 
have commanded you ; and lo I am with you always, 
even unto the end of the world." Amen. 



692 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



What the Associate Reformed Church 
Stands For. 

Address by Rev. J. S. Mofpatt, D. D. 

By way of preface it may not be out of place to state 
first what the Associate Reformed Church does not stand 
for. 

It does not stand for any such doctrine as that its 
symbols of faith are inspired of the Holy Spirit; that 
they embrace the truth, the whole truth and nothing but 
the truth in every particular; and that whosoever dares 
to propose any change in them is chargeable with 
sacrilege. 

It does not reverence the catechism more than the 
Scriptures. It does not substitute a creed for the Christ. 
It is a creed-holder, it is not a creed worshipper. 

It realizes that its creed is but the judgment of fallible 
men and it does not essay to put its creed in the Ark of 
Testimony along side of the Tables of Law. 

The Associate Reformed church does not stand for 
any such pretension as that it is the only true Church of 
God. It does not assume to stand off to itself in a 
holier-than-thou attitude. 

It proclaims the spiritual unity of an externally divided 
Church ; it preaches the brotherhood of all believers ; and 
rejoices in the communion of the Saints. 

It stands not for bigotry, narrowness, obstinacy or 
schism, but it pleads for the supremacy of truth, loyalty 
to conscience, and the holding of the truth in love. 

Coming to the positive aspects of the question, we may 
say that the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 
stands for the vast body of truth held in a general way 
by all the evangelical churches in common. The exist- 
ence and three-fold character of God ; God the Father, 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



693 



God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: all men lost in 
sin ; Jesus Christ, the Saviour from sin ; the Holy 
Spirit the applier of the redemption wrought out 
by Christ; the Bible a revelation from heaven to 
men, making known God's gracious purposes and 
holy will : the salvation provided by Christ available 
to the sinner through repentance and\ faith; whoso- 
ever believeth shall be saved and whosoever believeth not 
shall be condemned ; good works not the ground, but the 
evidence of salvation : these are some of the main doc- 
trines held by the Associate Reformed Church in com- 
mon with the evangelical branches of the Christian 
Church. 

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church stands 
for the whole body of truth held, or once held, by most 
of the families of the Presbyterian tribe. It stands for 
acceptance of and adherence to the Westminster Stan- 
dards ; not that it binds itself to accept and defend every 
single statement therein found as true beyond all ques- 
tion, but that these standards taken as a whole are the 
most systematic, comprehensive and exact summary of 
Bible truth to which expression has been given in and by 
the Church. 

It stands, accordingly, for the Calvinistic system of 
theology ; not that it stands for certain interpretations 
of this theology, or for certain declarations that are al- 
leged to be part and parcel of this theology, or for the 
extravagances of some who style themselves disciples of 
Calvin ; but for the fundamental principles of this the- 
ology beginning with the absolute sovereignty of God and 
embracing the remaining four points logically springing 
therefrom unto the assured salvation of the elect. 

The Associate Reformed Church stands for the gov- 
ernment of the church by elders : — all bishops, pastors 
and rulers being elders, and having authority in the 
house of the Lord to act for Jesus Christ, the King and 
Head of the Church. 



694 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



There are several things that our church would make 
specially strong in her testimony. One is with respect 
to the Bible. 

The Associate Reformed Church stands stoutly for 
the plenary inspiration of the Scriptures. Its testimony 
is that the inspiration extends not merely to some por- 
tions of the Bible but to the whole Bible ; not only to the 
words and sermons of Christ but to the Epistles of Paul 
and Peter as well. Its position is that not merely the 
contents, the body of truth found in the Scriptures is 
inspired of God but that the inspiration extends to the 
very words ; that not only does the Bible contain the 
word of God but the Bible is the Word of God. 

The Associate Reformed Church stands to witness 
that only an inspiration of this kind is sufficient to con- 
stitute the Bible an infallible rule of faith and practice. 
If only the sentiments and ideas of the Bible are inspired 
and the form left to human wisdom how shall we be 
assured that these divine communications have found 
correct expression. In such a case we must face the pos- 
sibility, yes, the probability, that the Bible is a book full 
of errors. It can no longer be a sure guide. It ceases 
to speak to us as the Word of God and weakly ad- 
dresses us as the words of men. 

The Associate Reformed Church does not contend 
that there are no errors in the Bible as we have it to- 
day. It would be strange indeed if having passed through 
so many hands, and so many casualities, and having 
been so often transcribed, some errors should not 
have crept in. But the contention is that as origin- 
ally given to the church there were no errors and that 
the originals have been so guarded by the Spirit, and so 
reverently and carefully handled by godly and faithful 
men that whatever errors may have crept in through 
human frailty are slight and have not corrupted or 
changed in any essential particular the originally inspired 
documents. Neither does the Associate Reformed 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



695 



Church maintain that God reduced the holy writers to 
mere machines in inspiring their thoughts and in indit- 
ing their words while communicating his will to men. 

On the contrary it believes that God left each writer 
free to exhibit his own peculiar traits, to use his own 
vocabulary and the learning of his times, and to utilize 
the store of illustrations drawn from his peculiar sur- 
roundings, occupations, or manner of life ; but God so 
put the seal and superintendance of his inspiration upon 
all that the writer expressed in his unique way that his 
writing became the inerrant vehicle of God's truth. 

Adhering to this view of inspiration, the Associate 
Reformed Church accepts all the teachings of God's 
word though it may not be able to reconcile them with 
one another by the power of human reason. 

If the Bible teaches both the Sovereignty of God and 
the free agency of man, the Associate Reformed Church 
says that we must accept and believe both these truths 
without speculation, trimming or reservation, no matter 
how incompatible with human reason or incomprehensi- 
ble to human understanding they may seem to be. 

Furthermore, the view of inspiration which it holds 
leads the Associate Reformed Church to stand for the 
sole, supreme, infallible authority of the Bible in all 
questions of manners, morals, religion, and duty. Its 
appeal is ever "To the law and to the testimony." 

Taking such a stand, the Associate Reformed Church 
is a marked conservative force among the churches and 
in society. It asks for the old paths. It makes haste to 
go slow. It wastes little time upon what is known as 
"Higher Criticism." It stands for simplicity in life and 
worship as in the clays of the fathers ; for truth and 
honesty in all dealings ; for sacred regard for the Sab- 
bath day; and for opposition to worldly amusements. 

The standard sermon still has three heads, and the 
orthodox time for the second service is early candle- 
lighting. 



6g6 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Another thing the Associate Reformed Church makes 
particularly strong in its testimony is in respect to the 
mode of divine worship. Our church gives pronounced 
and emphatic witness to the principle that God is to be 
worshipped only in the way appointed in his word. 

This proposition seems simple enough but it is deep 
and broad in its sweep. It might appear to be self evi- 
dent on its face but it does not command universal as- 
sent and application. Indeed, it is the application of 
this principle that forms the chief ground for the 
separate existence of the Associate Reformed Church. 

It will be readily granted by all Protestant Christians 
that what is expressly forbidden in the worship of God 
is not to be tolerated. In the Second Commandment 
God forbids the use of images in worship. Then away 
with images, say we all. 

It will also be readily granted that what is expressly 
enjoined in the worship of God is to be observed. God 
enjoins that prayer be made and for whom prayer should 
be made. Let this be done without deviation. 

But what of a large class of acts, rites, and ceremonies 
which are neither expressly commanded nor explicitly 
forbidden in the worship of God. Are we at liberty or not 
to introduce these at our pleasure and judgment? It 
is at this point that the principle for which the Asso- 
ciate Reformed Church stands comes into play. 

Because God expressly forbids the use of images in 
worship, some would infer that only what is forbidden 
is prohibited in worship, and what is not forbidden is 
permissible in worship. They would maintain that what 
is expressly commanded in worship holds only as to the 
specific rite or ordinance commanded, and what is not 
expressly commanded if it is not explicitly forbidden is 
proper and lawful in worship if it meets the approval of 
sanctified common sense and is deemed profitable to the 
church. 

Now the position of the Associate Reformed Church is 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



697 



that nothing is to be used in the worship of God except 
what he has clearly authorized and sanctioned ; and that 
all that is not prescribed and sanctioned of God is as 
much excluded from his worship as if it were explicitly 
forbidden. 

The record of the sin of Nadab and Abihu is stated in 
these suggestive words : "And Nadab and Abihu, the 
sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer and put 
fire therein and offered strange fire before the Lord 
which he commanded them not." Mark you, it does not 
read that they offered strange fire which He had for- 
bidden them to do, but they offered strange fire which 
He commanded them not. By not commanding, God 
had forbidden ; by prescribing what the incense was to be 
and how it was to be offered and what kind of fire was to 
be used, he had prohibited all other incense and all 
other fire, and all other ways of offering incense. 

The expression just noticed leads Bishop Hall to ob- 
serve : "We have to do with a God who is wise to pre- 
scribe His own worship, just to require what He has 
prescribed, and powerful to revenge what He has not 
prescribed." 

It is not the silence of the Scriptures that sanctions 
how God is to be worshipped; and we may not presume 
upon the silence of Holy Writ to attempt to make God's 
worship more impressive, interesting or attractive by 
our own devices, 

Our sure and safe ground consists in worshipping God 
only in the way or ways that He has prescribed and ap- 
pointed in His word. To deny or to abandon this prin- 
ciple is to open the door wide to libertinism and latitudi- 
narianism. 

God's appointments for His worship are the expres- 
sion of the divine wisdom and will for that particular 
service. 

To deviate from these appointments, or to set them 
aside, or to modify them, or to attempt improvements, 



6g8 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



upon them is to reflect upon the divine wisdom and to set 
up our will against the divine will. 

If we may thus challenge God's wisdom and will in 
worship, why not in other matters? Why not in respect 
to the Bible He has given us, and in respect to the 
Saviour He has provided, and the salvation He offers 
through this Saviour? As a matter of fact has not the 
divine wisdom been called in question in respect to these 
very things? And have not the critics and objectors in 
many instances at least come logically to their attitude? 
Did not the Church herself open the way by her own 
example ? 

The Associate Reformed Church realizing its far reach- 
ing consequences stands by the principle announced in 
the 51 question of the Shorter Catechism that "The 
second commandment forbids the worshipping of God 
by images, or any other way not appointed in his word" 

It is in the application of this principle that the Asso- 
ciate Reformed Church confines itself exclusively to the 
inspired songs of the Bible in God's worship. 

We know that these songs have the divine sanction. 
They were appointed for use under the former dispensa- 
tion. Why were they included in the inspired canon if 
they were not appointed and intended for use in the 
present dispensation ? 

Other songs may be good but where is their sanction 
for the sanctuary service? 

If God had intended other songs to be sung in His 
praise why did He not give them a place in the Scripture 
hymnology ? , 

Is it credible that God would prepare and prescribe a 
psalmody for His worship in the former days and then 
leave His Church in these latter times to be guided by 
their own wisdom and to offer in praise to Him any 
kind of so-called sacred songs that may appeal to the 
fancy or emotions of the worshippers? 

Does not the Church need the inspiration and super- 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



699 



intendance of the Spirit in the production of its hymn- 
ology in one age as much as in another? Are the Saints 
of this day any more able to prepare a suitable psalmody 
apart from the Spirit's inspiration than were Moses and 
David? 

But God having given to the Church only this one 
book of praises, the Associate Reformed Church regards 
this fact as an indication that these songs alone are to be 
sung in His worship until the end of the world and 
does not feel at liberty to use any other songs. 

It might be added that the Associate Reformed Church 
believes also that its application of this important prin- 
ciple in the matter of an inspired psalmody is re-enforced 
by other substantial considerations. 

The book of Scripture praises is the most catholic 
hymn book. Indeed, it is the only unsectarian hymn- 
ology. 

The songs of uninspired men are naturally colored by 
the theological and denominational views of the various 
authors, so that it is not strange that we have Presby- 
terian hymns, and Methodist hymns, and Baptist hymns. 
But the Psalms of the Bible are neither Presbyterian, 
Methodist, nor Baptist hymns ; they are God's songs, as 
undenominational as the Bible itself. This fact is much 
in their favor. , 

These songs indited by the Spirit of God are the best 
that can be had. Will we not all agree that we ought 
to offer to God in praise, as well as in every thing else, 
the very best at our command? Surely it cannot be 
disputed that the songs of inspiration are superior to 
any songs which men can indite as the Bible of inspira- 
tion is superior to any book that man can write. 

The Associate Reformed Church stands for giving 
God nothing but the best. Confinement to the use of 
the sacred songs in worship is not only a matter of sound 
principle but also of safe policy. 

By adhering exclusively to the Bible songs all dog- 



yoo 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



gerel poetry and sentimental trash and questionable 
stuff are ruled of solemn worship, and an adaman- 
tine barrier raided against all religious heresies and va- 
garies that are liable to insinuate themselves through the 
medium of song. Using only the songs which God has 
given us we are on safe ground and the Associate Re- 
formed Church stands for the policy of keeping on safe 
and solid ground. 

" O, World-God give me Power !" the Roman cried. 

His prayer was granted. The vast world 1 was chained 
A Captive to the chariot of his pride. 

But now "A roofless ruin stands where once abode 
The imperial race of everlasting Rome.' 

" O, World-God, give me Beauty!" cried the Greek. 
His prayer was granted. All the earth became 
Plastic and vocal to his sense ; 

The lyre was his, and his the breathing might 
Of the immortal marble, his the play 

Of diamond-pointed thought and golden tongue. 
Go seek the sunshine race. Ye find to-day 
A broken column and a lute unstrung. 

" O, God-head, give me Truth ! the Hebrew cried. 
His prayer was granted. He became the slave 
Of the Idea, a pilgrim far and wide. 

" Seek him today, and find in every land. 

No fire consumes him, neither floods devour ! 
Immortal through the lamp within his hand." 

And so if we are not mistaken the cry of the Asso- 
ciate Reformed Church is, "Give me Truth! believing 
that the light of truth is the lamp immortal within the 
Church. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



The Hand of God in our History. 

SERMON BY REV. W. L. PRESSLY, D. D. 

Text. — First Samuel: 7-12: "Then Samuel took a stone, 
and set it between Mizpeh and Shem, and called the name of it 
Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." 

God is the Creator, so is He the Governor of the 
world. The one of these propositions would appear to 
involve the other. But we are not left to any impres- 
sions of our own, however satisfactory they may seem, 
with regard to this matter. This is a point on which 
the Scriptures are not only explicit. They are emphatic as 
well. The Psalmist says : "The Lord hath prepared 
His throne in the Heavens, and His Kingdom ruleth 
over all." The Prophet says : "He doeth according to 
His will in the armies of Heaven and among the inhabi- 
tants of the earth," and the Master himself says, "Are 
not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them 
shall not fall on the ground without your Father, but the 
very hairs of your heads are all numbered." His provi- 
dence, then, has to do with the affairs of men great and 
small. It has to do with the affairs of individuals. "The 
steps of a good man's heart deviseth his way, but the 
Lord directeth his steps." It has to do with the affairs 
of nations or communities of men. The Most High rul- 
eth in the Kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever 
He will." "By Him kings reign and princes decree jus- 
tice, even all the judges of the earth." "The kingdom 
is the Lord's and He ruleth among nations." 

"For God, the Lord, all Empire owns, 
And reigns above all earthly thrones." 

It has to do with the affairs of the church. Indeed 
the whole scheme of Divine Providence, from beginning 



yo2 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



to end, has respect, either directly or indirectly, either 
immediately or remotely, to the church; and so we read 
that Jesus Christ was given to be head over all things 
to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him 
that filleth all in all. 

Under the former dispensation the church and State 
or commonwealth, were identical. The terms or condi- 
tions of admission into the one were the terms or condi- 
tions of admission into the other. A person could not be 
a member of one without being a member of the other 
as well. The ecclesiastical aspect of this complex body 
was, however, by far the more prominent and the more 
important. In this connection we have a signal instance 
or example, or illustration of God's Providential care for 
His people, that is, for His Church. As a chastisement 
for their unfaithfulness God left His people in the hands 
of their enemies, the Philistines. 

For twenty years, perhaps for a longer period, they 
were grievously oppressed. At length this chastise- 
ment bore its appropriate and blessed fruit, for we are 
told that "all the house of Israel lamented after the 
Lord." Encouraged by this hopeful frame of mind, 
Samuel called a meeting of the people at Mizpeh. This 
was not a military gathering. Indeed it is more than 
doubtful if there was an armed man present in all that 
assembly. Their masters, the Philistines, had most ef- 
fectually disarmed them, and they had taken measures 
just as effectual that they should not arm themselves 
again. See ist Samuel, 13 : 19-21. At a later period and 
in an actual state of war we are told that only Samuel 
and Jonathan were armed. See ist Samuel, 13:22. 

This, then, was a meeting for prayer, for confes- 
sion, for supplication and for renewing their covenant 
with the God of their fathers. But the Philistines were 
suspicious of all public assemblies of the people and dis- 
patched an armed force to disperse this one. Unarmed 
as they were, it is not strange that the people were panic 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



stricken by the appearance of an armed force, with evi- 
dent hostile intent, and appealed to Samuel and Samuel 
appealed to God, and we read that the Lord thundered 
with great thunder that day against the Philistines and 
discomfited them. Their route was complete and it only 
remained for Israel to pursue and spoil. In grateful 
recognition of this gracious interposition in their behalf, 
and in commemoration of it as well, we are told 
that Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpeh 
and Shen and called the name of it "Ebenezer," that is, 
the stone of help. And we are told that he accompanied 
that pious act with this pious sentiment : "Hitherto 
hath the Lord helped us." But as past experience of 
God's goodness is a promise and a pledge of continued 
favor, conditioned only on obedience, so this stone would 
be an inspiration for the future as well as a commemora- 
tion of the past. 

THE CHURCH IN RETROSPECT. 

It would be an inspiration for the future just because 
it was a commemoration of the past. In the good provi- 
dence of God, that branch of His church with which we 
are identified has reached a stage in its history which 
invites to retrospection. One hundred years ago what 
was then known as the Presbytery of the Carolinas and 
Georgia was erected into a Synod and took the name of 
the Synod of the Carolinas. This Synod was an integral 
part of the General Synod, organized about the same 
time, and which consisted of the Synod of New York, 
the Synod of Pennsylvania, the Synod of Scioto, and the 
Synod of the Carolinas. In 1822, nineteen years later, 
for reasons which cannot be discussed now, the Synod 
of the Carolinas, with the full consent of the General 
Synod, withdrew from that body and was organized into 
an independent, co-ordinate Synod and took the name 
of the Associate Reformed Synod of the South. In 
1858 all the Associate Reformed churches, except the 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Associate Reformed Synod of the South, entered into a 
union with the Associate Church, and formed that noble 
body of Christians known to us as the United Presby- 
terian Church and whose honored representative has a 
seat on this floor to-day. As the Synod of the South was 
then the only Associate Reformed Church in existence 
its distinguishing title has been disregarded as no longer 
necessary, and is now commonly known as the Associate 
Reformed Presbyterian Church. 

It is proposed to-day to look back over the history of 
this church during the century of its existence, especial- 
ly with the view or purpose of discovering, if we can, the 
hand of God in our experience as a church ; that we may 
duly recognize our indebtedness to Him, as well as our 
continued dependence upon Him. Nothing less than this 
would excuse, much less justly, such an historical re- 
view as this must of necessity be on this day set apart 
to the worship of Almighty God. In attempting this we 
shall endeavor to bear in mind that, as Robert Ellis 
Thompson, in his work entitled, "The Hand of God in 
American History," has expressed it, "it is not per- 
mitted for any one to play privy counsellor to the Al- 
mighty and to trace all the operations of His guiding 
hand in any historical crisis. But a few things we may 
indicate as less recondite and more obvious than others." 

This Synod was, at its very organization, confronted 
with two or three serious difficulties. In the first place, 
it was very weak in point of numbers. It consisted of 
only seven ordained ministers, and two probationers, 
while its field was disproportionately wide. In his his- 
tory of this period Dr. Lathan says : "For thirty-five 
years, a few men, never more than seven, preached the 
Gospel, administered the sacrament and performed other 
pastoral work in not less than fifty societies or congre- 
gations, scattered over a tract of country longer than 
England and wider than Scotland. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 705 



A DISTINCTION WITHOUT DIFFERENCE. 

In the second place, about the time of its organization, 
at the instance of two disaffected members of the Pres- 
bytery, an Associate Presbytery was organized in the 
same territory, and in fact dividing a number of the 
congregations. The difference between these two bodies 
was not more than the difference between Shibboleth and 
Sibboleth, and yet instead of striving together, instead of 
standing shoulder to shoulder, instead of locking their 
shields and presenting an unbroken front to the common 
foe, they proved bitter rivals and threatened to bite and 
devour one and another. 

COMMUNION AND PSALMODY. 

. In the third place, the distinctive features of this in- 
fant body were singularly unpopular. These related to 
the subject of Communion, (sacramental communion,) 
and Psalmody. As regards the first of these, looking at 
it from this distance, the practice of the church seems 
to have been stricter or more conservative than its stan- 
dards. In fact to one of the present generation it is not 
easy to see how our fathers got "close" or what they 
call "regulated" or "restricted," or "occasional" commun- 
ion out of the xxvi. chapter of the Westminster Con- 
fession of Faith." The position and the practice of the 
church on this subject have been materially mollified in 
recent years. As regards the second, while it is con- 
ceded that the design or purpose of this service does not 
call for a discussion of the subject of Psalmody, and 
while any discussion of it would be superfluous, or a 
work of supererrogation, after the splendid presentation, 
of it last evening, still, as bearing upon that which is the 
main object of this exercise, we may be permitted to 
mention briefly two or three things in relation to it. In 
the first place, then, the position of the Associate Re- 
formed Presbyterian Church as regards this matter, is 
45 



706 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



substantially the same as that of the Westminster As- 
sembly, whose standards it accepted. It is substantially 
the same as that of the church of Scotland, from which 
this in common with other Presbyterian churches, it de- 
rived its origin. It is substantially, if not identically, the 
same as that of all the Presbyterian churches of this 
country, up until about the middle of the eighteenth 
century. 

STANDING FOR THE SCRIPTURAL PSALMODY. 

About that time the question of incorporating the 
imitation of the Psalms by Dr. Isaac Watts in the autho- 
rized Psalmody of the Presbyterian Church was intro- 
duced into the General Assembly of that body; and 
after an agitation extending, according to Dr. Lathan, 
over a period of forty years, received the endorsement of 
that body. A little later, in 1802, the hymns of the same 
author, received the sanction of the same body 
and very soon, (as was most natural and indeed 
inevitable,) the pious effusions of a great many other 
writers were accorded a place in their book of praise. 
The result of all was that the songs of inspiration were 
practically displaced, insomuch that now there is scarce- 
ly trace of them to be found in the books of praise used 
by that church, and to-day very many excellent Christian 
people in this Southern country do not so much as know 
that there is such a thing as a metrical version of the 
"Book of Psalms." If, then, it be true that this book 
was given of God to the church as a manuel of praise, 
as writers without distinction of name or sect affirm, and 
if it be true that these songs are divinely adapted to the 
purpose, as is of necessity involved in the fact that they 
were given of God for this purpose ; and if it be true 
that they were designed to be used by the church in all 
ages, as is also conceded by the writers referred to, then 
the Associate Reformed Church is abundantly justified 
in declining all overtures, however tempting, from other 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Christian bodies which involve a compromise (which in 
this case means a surrender) of the principle involved. 
And when we consider the pressure that has been 
brought to bear on this little church, (and we refer now 
only to the pressure of example) the example of the many, 
the example of the strong, the example of the influen- 
tial, of the pious and learned, can we fail to see the hand 
of God. in the fact that this little body has, for the 
hundred years of its existence, stood firmly by the 
Scripture doctrine and practice, and so has preserved 
and still preserves from complete disuse and dishonor 
(in this Southern country) a Psalmody given of God, 
inspired by His spirit, sung by His Saints under the for- 
mer economy, used by our Saviour himself and His 
Apostles in what we may call the transition period, and 
has been the inspiration of confessors and martyrs of 
every age and country, and especially of the Covenanters 
of Scotland, whose children we are, whose blood flows 
in our veins and whose unfaltering defence of the faith 
once delivered to the saints we recognize as our most 
precious earthly heritage. 

THE FALSE CRY OF "BIGOTRY." 

It is not pleasant to be singular. It is not easy to en- 
dure the odium of even implied narrowness and illiberal- 
ly and exclusiveness, not to say bigotry. Indeed, not 
a few of our brethren have found the pressure too great 
to be resisted and they have sought in other communions 
a liberty which they could not find in their own. But of 
these brethren it is safe to say (and we say it in the 
-spirit of utmost kindness) that whatever their principles 
may be, their practice is just as narrow and illiberal and 
exclusive as it was before. The only difference is that 
then they used, and used exclusively, an inspired Psalm- 
ody in the worship of God, and now they use, and use 
just as exclusively, an uninspired. One thing more, it 
may be permitted us to say in this connection : To all 



708 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



who love these songs of Zion, venerable for their antiq- 
uity, sacred from their association and bearing the seal 
of the Spirit, it is a matter of profound thanksgiving to 
God that in the last few years the attention of the church 
has been attracted to them as it had not been for more 
than a century before. Now, would it be rash to say, 
or at least to express the earnest hope, if not the confi- 
dent expectation, that the child is already born who 
shall see these songs of inspiration restored to their 
proper place in the worship of God, at least in the Pres- 
byterian churches in our country? 

THE PATRON OF LEARNING. 

The Associate Reformed Church has always been the 
ardent friend and patron of learning. Insisting upon an 
educated ministry, and unwilling to patronize any lite- 
rary institution then existing in the South, the church 
felt obliged to afford or provide the facilities for an 
education which it demanded, at least of those who 
would enter her ministry. And it is really pathetic to 
read the record of those early days and to see how their 
desires and plans and efforts were baffled at every step 
by their weakness and poverty. At length in 1834, it 
was resolved to establish a manual labor school as the 
best that could be done in existing circumstances. But 
while this was the action of the Synod it met with little 
favor at the hands of the people and nothing came of it. 
The next year, however, it was determined to establish 
an academy or high school at Due West, S. C., and 
steps were at once taken to carry this resolution into 
effect. On the first Monday of February, 1836, the 
doors of this school was opened. That ripe scholar and 
veteran teacher, the Rev. John S. Pressly, was placed at 
its head. So much was the church encouraged by the 
success of this experiment that, when three years later, 
Mr. Pressly resigned his position, it was determined to 
extend the curriculum and enlarge the faculty, and out 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



709 



of the academy to erect a college. The result was Ers- 
kine College, certainly the first denominational insti- 
tution of its class in the State of South Carolina, and, 
as far as we know, or have been able to learn, with a 
single possible exception, the first south of the Potomac. 
Thus it remained for this little church, consisting at that 
time of only twenty-one ordained ministers and scat- 
tered over so wide a territory, to set the pace for other 
and older and far stronger denominations, in the great 
work of Christian education. And who can tell what 
influence the zeal and energy and devotion and success 
of this little denomination in this matter may have had 
in the establishment of Furman, and WofTord and New- 
berry and other denominational institutions that are now 
doing so noble a work in this most important line? 

TO GOD BE THE GLORY. 

Now shall we take the credit of this to ourselves? 
Shall we ascribe it to our fathers ? To ' their fidelity, 
their zeal, their self-denial, their self-sacrifice? Shall 
we not rather recognize in all this the hand of God whose 
Kingdom rules over all, without Whom a sparrow does 
not fall oh the ground, and Who is so often pleased to 
choose the weak things of the world to confound the 
mighty, and to get glory to His own great name from 
the weakness of the instrumentality employed ! We do 
not mean to say that no credit is due to our fathers. 
We should stand uncovered in the presence of their 
memories. But while they were the instruments, God 
alone was the agent and to Him be all the glory. 

THE ENDOWMENT OF THE COLLEGE. 

In 1853 the need of an endowment for the College 
was realized and recognized, and that prince of agents 
for such enterprises, the Rev. Dr. W. R. Hemphill, was 
sent out to solicit funds for this purpose. The result 
was that in a few years an endowment fund of $75,000 



yio 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



was raised, and the College entered upon an era of in- 
creased prosperity and of enlarged usefulness. Here 
again, so far as we know or have been able to learn, 
this little denomination was a pioneer, led the way, at 
least in this Southern country. In 1861, only a few 
years later, the war, (we need not stop to characterize 
it as the War of the Secession, or as the War of the 
Rebellion. Or as the War between the States, or as 
the Civil War, etc., for this generation at least, 
it is sufficient to call it The War,) burst upon 
the country. With the history of that unprecedented 
struggle we are not at present concerned except in so far 
as it affected the enterprises of the church, and especial- 
ly that enterprise of which we are speaking now. Dr. 
Lathan writing of the College at the close of the war, 
with characteristic emphasis says "it was dead." If it 
was not dead it was at least dormant. 

Its doors were closed, its students were scattered, many 
of them dead, victims of the war, and its finances 
wrecked. Of the $75,000 little more than $13,000 re- 
mained. But no sooner had the smoke of the conflict 
cleared away than its doors were opened again and its 
exercises resumed. Just how it was sustained from 
1865 to 1867 is not very clear. Only one thing is clear 
— that some one suffered. 

In 1857 a scheme was devised to raise a temporary 
endowment to run five years and to get the institution on 
its feet again. This scheme was successfully executed. 

THE DEVASTATION OF WAR. 

In 1 87 1, at a meeting of the Synod, held at Long 
Cane, S. C, it was resolved to attempt a second perma- 
nent endowment, and the amount agreed on was $100,000. 
Here we may well pause for a moment. The action of 
that Synod, or rather of this Synod at that meeting, if 
not sublime, was surely not less than heroic. There are 
few now living who have any proper appreciation of 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 711 

the condition of things in this whole Southern country 
at that time. The larger part of what had constituted 
the wealth of the country had been swept away by a 
stroke of the pen. Of the remainder a large per cent, 
had gone up in fire and smoke and blackened chimneys, 
and charred ruins, and dismantled homes, and abandoned 
farms, all over this Southern country were the mute but 
eloquent witnesses of the ruthlessness, not to say the 
savagery, of the war and of the poverty of the people. 
And as respects the people themselves what shall we 
say? The males from 16 to 60, upon whom would na- 
turally have devolved the arduous task upon which it 
was proposed to enter, were in large part, perhaps we 
might say in the larger part, in their graves, unmarked, 
nameless graves on far off battlefields. And our congre- 
gations were made up mainly of gray-haired men and 
widowed mothers and orphaned children. Besides this 
let it not be forgotten that what was left of this little 
church was scattered from the Potomac to the Rio Grande 
and lacked therefore the stimulus which, in military par- 
lance, comes from the touch of the elbow. And while 
it is true that the war was over and had been for six 
years, it is also true that this was in the midst of what 
was then known and of what is still known, and of what 
will for generations be known, as the "Reconstruction" 
period — a period which in its effects upon the morals and 
the finances of the country was scarcely less disastrous 
than war itself. And yet in the face of all this and more, 
(for so far from exaggerating we have given you only 
some faint hints of the situation) our fathers said : "Let 
us rise up and build!" And they did rise up and they 
did build, and while it is true that the $100,000 was not 
realized, a sufficient amount was secured to meet the cur- 
rent expenses of the institution, economically adminis- 
tered, and from that day to this it has gone forward 
without interruption in the prosecution of its benevolent 
and beneficent work. 



y 12 CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 

Now shall we take the credit of all this to ourselves ? 
Shall we ascribe it to our fathers — to the men of '71 — to 
their Scotch-Irish blood — to which so eloquent a tribute 
was paid yesterday — to their tenacity of purpose — to 
their devotion to principle, or to their faith in God even? 
Shall we not rather recognize His hand in all this and 
render to Him the glory that is due? Who else but He 
could have suggested the thought in the circumstances ! 
Who else but He could have inspired the courage? Who 
else but He could have sustained the effort and crowned 
it with such a measure of success? 

THE SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS. 

The history of the Theological Seminary is intimately 
associated with that of the college. Its doors were 
opened in 1837, but from that date until 1869 the whole 
work of conducting that institution was devolved upon 
men who were otherwise fully employed — the church 
not being able to pay a separate salary for a separate 
professor. As an illustration of this, mention may be 
made of the fact that the first professor of theology 
was also president of the college and pastor of the 
church at Due West, and made his living largely on a 
farm. It is matter of devout gratitude to God that men 
were found — let us express this a little differently, let 
the hand of God be more explicitly recognized — let us 
say it is matter of devout gratitude that God raised up 
men to meet this emergency — men who were willing, 
without complaint to do double work without additional 
compensation — without any adequate pecuniary compen- 
sation — men who, like Moses, had "respect unto the 
recompense of the reward." 

In 1869 the Rev. James Boyce, D. D., was made pro- 
fessor of theology and paid a salary to give his whole 
time to the work. His assistants, however, without an 
exception, were otherwise fully occupied. Notwithstand- 
ing the institution has been thus handicapped from the 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



713 



beginning, it has, by the blessing of God, rendered ex- 
cellent service. The ministry of the Associate Reformed 
Presbyterian Church, the living and the dead, nine-tenths 
of whom received their theological training within its 
walls, are its witnesses. It is a matter of devout grati- 
tude to God that it has now an endowment of $42,000 
and ought to be in position to do more and better work 
than was possible in the past. 

It may be thought and said that the Associate Re- 
formed Church was slow in entering upon the work of 
Foreign Missions. And as a matter of fact it is true 
that it was not until 1875 that this church had a foreign 
missionary of its own. But two or three things may be 
said and ought to be said in explanation, if not in justi- 
fication of this fact. In the first place the demands of 
the home field taxed the energies of the fathers of the 
church to the utmost. In his history of that period, Dr. 
Lathan says, "from 1803 to and even later, it might 
be said that every minister connected with the A. R. P. 
Synod of the South, no matter whether he were a settled 
pastor or not, was a missionary. With few exceptions, 
each made an annual missionary tour of from three to 
four months. It should be remembered in this connec- 
tion that the facilities for travel then were not what they 
are now. There were no railroads, in much of the terri- 
tory traversed, few wagon roads. These missionary tours 
were made on horseback with wardrobe and library in 
a pair of saddle bags. 

In the second place, while, during this period, this 
church had no foreign missionary of its own, it does not 
therefore follow that it was indifferent to this work. In 
proof that it was not, reference may be made to the fol- 
lowing facts : (a) That contributions were made by Synod 
to the funds of other churches that were engaged in the 
work, (b) Repeated efforts were made to establish a 
mission in a foreign field, especially in Liberia, on the 
West coast of Africa. For a number of years this was 



7H 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



a cherished scheme of the church. A school for training 
colored men for work in this field was established and 
for a number of years operated in Kentucky and four 
boys were, for a like period, supported in a school in Li- 
beria, conducted first by Thomas Ware, himself a negro, 
and afterwards by a Mr. Erskine, a missionary of the 
Presbyterian Church. For some reason, however, the 
whole scheme failed. 

(c) As showing the interest of the church in this 
work and the earnest desire to enter upon it we may be 
permitted to mention an incident of which, so far as is 
known, there is no record anywhere, but of which there 
are still a few living witnesses. The incident referred 
to occurred at a meeting of Synod held at Hope- 
well, Maury County, Tennessee, in 1859. For some 
years the Board of Foreign Missions had been cal- 
ling for volunteers for the foreign field. These calls 
meeting with no responses at that meeting, after a 
conference on that subject, in which much interest was 
manifested, it was resolved to nominate men for that 
work and a committee was appointed for that purpose. 
At a subsequent session of that meeting the committee 
reported nominating Dr. H. T. Sloan, then pastor of 
Long Cane and Cedar Spring churches in Abbeville 
County, S. C, and Rev. D. F. Haddon, pastor of the A. 
R. P. Churches in Laurens County, S. C. These brethren 
did not feel called of God at their time of life to leave the 
field they had respectively occupied for so many years and 
to enter upon a work entirely new. But while nothing came 
of this measure it seems to show, and in fact to set in a 
striking light, the animus of the Synod in regard to this 
matter. That was in 1859. Soon the war intervened and 
interrupted this as it did so many other enterprises of 
the church. 

In 1874, Miss Mary E. Galloway, of Due West, S. C, 
offered herself for this work and was accepted. In Jan- 
uary, 1875, she went out, the first foreign missionary of 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



715 



the A. R. P. Church. At the invitation of the Board of 
Foreign Missions of the U. P. Church, she was sent to 
Egypt and while she lived, bore a part in the noble work 
which that church was at that time carrying on in that 
field and which it is still prosecuting- on an even grander 
scale. In 1879, ft was determined to establish an inde- 
pendent mission. Mexico was selected as the field and 
Rev. N. E. Pressly as the first missionary. In 1880 he 
began work in Tampico on the gulf coast of the State 
of Tamaulipas. Since then the work has grown until 
now we have in that field, Foreign Missionaries, male, 
4 ; female, 5 ; native ministers, 6 ; female teachers, native, 
5 ; principal stations, 3 ; out stations, 1 1 ; an orphanage, a 
medical mission; a girl's school, a boy's training school, 
designed especially to prepare young men for the work 
of the ministry; families, 112; communicants, 292; 
church and school property,, $28,200. 

In the measure of success which has attended the 
efforts of the church in this direction and in the marked 
and happy effect of work in the foreign field upon the 
work at home we ought, to-day, gratefully to recognize 
the hand of God, the God of our fathers. 

We would be glad to speak of Home Missions and of 
other enterprises of the church, but this exercise is al- 
ready too long. Besides, surely enough has been said to 
justify the Synod in setting up a stone at this point in its 
history and in calling it Ebenezer in grateful recognition 
of His favor in the past and in the confident assurance of 
His blessing in the future and so with the Psalmist to 
sing. 

The Lord of us hath mindful been 
And He will bless us still. 



yi6 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



The Heritage Our Fathers Left Us. 

ADDRESS BY REV. D. G. PHILLIPS. 

As an organization our Synod is only a hundred years 
old. But a century does not begin to jmeasure the life 
of Associate Reformed Presbyterianism. Eighteen cen- 
turies are behind it, stretching away back to the time 
when the Apostle Paul rocked its cradle. Our sun rose 
not yesterday nor here. "Traced backward, its beams 
gladden the dull Holland marches, play on the Alpine 
range, shimmer over the Black Forest, transfigure the 
mists of Scotand," and, struggling through the smoke 
of the martyr fires, come to their rising in the land of 
the city of the great King. For the Apostles went up 
to Presbytery at Jerusalem. 

We are one of a large family. We are the children of 
Knox and Calvin and Augustine and Paul. We claim a 
child's part of all that Presbyterianism has done for the 
world. "Our fathers fought beside Douglass and Cargill 
in the Upper Clydesdale." The Westminister Confes- 
sion of Faith, standing as it does for the sovereignty of 
Jehovah in the heavens and the kingship of Jesus Christ 
in his church, and the Declaration of Independence, 
standing for constitutional liberties — a free church, a free 
conscience, a free press — the most transforming deli- 
verances, the one in the religion, the other in the civil 
realm, that ever came from the brain of man — together 
with the vital relation, the principles for which they 
stand have sustained to all that's best in human progress, 
help to make up our patrimony. But, while we relin- 
quish our claim to no part of it, of necessity to-day we look 
at the heritage, not of the whole Presbyterian family,, but 
only of our own little household. In the providence of 
God the time came when our fathers had to part company 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



717 



with their brethren. Family fusses are always deplora- 
ble, but God himself demands the disruption of that 
family in which there is infidelity. Christ sets a man at 
variance with his own father. The world calls us Sece- 
ders. But the name is not true to the facts. Our 
fathers did not secede. With all charity, yet in all can- 
dor, let it be said, our brethren turned aside, they heard 
the seductive voice of expediency. They began to give 
up some things that were essential. Our fathers remon- 
strated, then protested, and at last, rather than sacrifice 
essential truth,, rather than surrender the crown rights 
of King Jesus, they dared to stand alone. The facts 
are on our side, Scripturally and historically our position 
is unassailable. Dr. Taylor tells of a little church whose 
members went on excommunicating each other for any 
little thing till there was left as a remnant only a man 
and his wife. "Well," said some one to her, "you must 
have got a pure church at last?" "Deed," was the an- 
swer, with inimitable self complacency,, "deed, and I'm 
not so sure of John." With greater confidence than the 
old Scotch woman, we can take our brethren of the / 
United Presbyterian Church by the hand, and with kind- 
liest charity, yet in truth claim to be the only link that 
binds the churches of this country back in all respects to 
the simple, sincere Scriptural worship of the days of the 
Apostle. A heritage is material or moral. Solomon 
say, "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children." 
That can't mean stocks and bonds only, for the Scripture 
is universal in its application, and many a good man dies 
and leaves no fortune behind him. His bequest is his 
goodness, his example, his influence, his fund of prayer 
laid up, his faith in God. In a material way our fathers 
left us but little — no stately church edifices, no mission- 
ary nor charitable foundations, no splendid institutions, 
no vested endowments of any sort. But morally they 
left us rich indeed. Thev laid the foundation wisely and 
well. If we are careful to build upon it, not wood or 



7 i8 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



hay or stubble, but gold and silver and precious stones, 
our ecclesiastical house will stand foursquare to every 
storm that blows till the church militant becomes the 
church triumphant. They set our course, and if we but 
hold it, we will lead our share of God's sacramental host 
into that new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth 
righteousness. 

I. They left us a record of missionary zeal that is 
truly apostolic. With a territory stretching from the gulf 
to the mountains and from the Atlantic to the Missis- 
sippi, two, three times as large as that traversed by Paul 
in his missionary journeys, and with only seven ordained 
ministers to cover it, they saddled their horses, and with 
wardrobe and library in their saddle bags, they rode out 
for God and humanity. Like Abraham, they went out 
not knowing whither they went, save only that God had 
called them to plant his gospel in the wilds of this South- 
land. They left their own congregations worshipping 
in log houses. They left home and family, swam 
rivers, slept with Indians, endured all sorts of hard- 
ships, preached day and night and came up to 
Synod after months of service and privation with a 
petty bill of a few dollars for expenses. And all the 
while they themselves were giving and teaching their 
congregations to give money through the boards of other 
churches for the evangelization of the heathen. It's a 
record worthy to go alongside that of Brainard among 
the Indians, or Paton in the New Hebrides. Are we the 
sons of our fathers? All over the South are places 
where once flourished A. R. P. congregations that are 
long since dead. We have not held the territory 
claimed by our fathers. It is for lack of zeal or 
fear of sacrifice. Of all men, where we relax in 
missionary effort at home or abroad, we are untrue to a 
noble example, we are recreant to a sacred trust, we are 
unworthy of a birthright bought with much sacrifice and 
prayer. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



719 



2. They taught us the proper estimate of educa- 
tion. When at last the siege of Leyden was raised, the 
men who had held the city so nobly were in a sad condi- 
tion. Their estates were wasted. Their fortunes were 
ruined. Their homes were battered down and burned 
with fire. Their fair city was sadly dismantled. The 
electors desired to help them. And when they asked, 
"what shall we do for you," with one voice the an- 
swer came "give us a university." That was the spirit 
of our fathers. Loyalty to truth as they saw it demanded 
a college of their own. Mountains of difficulty stood in 
their way. But they dared and they succeeded. Above 
the front door in the wall of the old building that was 
burned was a marble slab with the inscription in Hebrew, 
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." 
They would plant no garden with the tree of knowledge 
and leave out the tree of life. And on the sacred walls 
of that college the smile of God has gleamed like the light 
of the morning. "Stand fast Crag Ellochie J" O, Ers- 
kine, Erskine, in the name of thy grateful sons, "if we 
forget thee, may our right hands forget their cunning 
and may our tongues cleave to the roof of our mouth." 

3. They left us a perfect Bible, not one line of it dis- 
credited. There were no higher critics among them. 
Not from want of scholarship. They who met them 
in the hall of debate had no cause to despise their 
attainments . Not from lack of progressiveness nor 
aggressiveness. In most things they were ahead 
of their age. They believed in the divine super- 
intendence of every word of both the Old and the New 
Testament, so that the Scriptures are preserved from all 
error. They knew that there was no middle ground be- 
tween complete verbal inspiration and a doubtful Scrip- 
ture. "If prophets mixed their thoughts with God's, if 
Apostles used false arguments, if Christ himself had a 
superstitious regard for Scripture through ignorance, 
then we can't tell why Plato is not as good a teacher as 



720 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Paul," and poor, needy man is left in the darkness of 
doubt. They saw that the maxim, much overworked to- 
day, that we must treat the Bible as we treat any other 
book was false because it denies the Bible's claim to 
reverence and obedience, and because that spirit is 
the very essence of proud unbelief. They did not 
handle lightly the sacred page. They did not 
"toss it into a crucible, nor mix it with acids, 
nor dissect it with knives. They felt that it had 
a holy character and must be examined with the 
eye of faith and not with the hand of skepticism. They 
took their stand by the side of their Divine Redeemer 
and declared that every jot and every tittle of the Scrip- 
tures is truth." And their stamp is on their church to- 
day. Our ministers make no new' discoveries in theology. 
They write no theses on the recession of inspiration. 
They preach no doubts and half truths and negatives. 
Their telescopes sweep no fields beyond the limits of 
Divine Revelation. There has never been a heresy trial in 
the hundred years of our history. Thank God, none of us 
covet that grade of scholarship which proclaims the Bible 
a fraud, and declares that our Lord and his Apostles were 
deceived. We have no disposition to assume a flippant 
air in our treatment of the sacred page. We fling from 
us all such methods as vulgar and profane. And God 
grant that this "devout attitude, which is not worship of 
the Book, but worship of the Divine Author of the 
Book," may ever mark the church our fathers left us. 

4. They taught us where to put the emphasis in 
church work. They insisted on an educated ministry. 
If ever a set of men had an excuse for laying hands on 
men unprepared or half prepared and thrusting them 
into the ministry, they had. But they kept the bars up. 
In their sorest need they stood out for preachers who 
could read the Scriptures in their original tongues and 
thus draw their pulpit teachings from the very fountain 
head of revelation. They shrunk from proclaiming a 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



721 



loose gospel. They feared that even the honest efforts 
of ignorant men might lead to dangerous error • in .be- 
lief and practice. And they had at one time, I suppose, 
the broadest Theological Seminary the world ever saw. 
There were only two professors but they were 300 miles 
apart. It would have taken a student a week to go from 
one recitation to the next. They climbed over all bar- 
riers to educate their preachers. And that careful con- 
servatism preserved their church from human philosophy 
on the one side and human impulsive excitements on the 
other. They were called narrow and bigoted. But those 
who criticised have gradually come round to the same 
policy. In 18 10, because they did not think a classical 
education essential to the ministry, a company of people 
went to themselves, taking the name Cumberland Pres- 
byterians. Now that people have two seminaries and 
five universities. The Methodists did not appreciate the 
importance of ministerial education. When that church 
was 44 years old in this country, they had no seminary 
and only two small colleges. But they learned better. 
And now they are everywhere the patrons of learning 
and have more colleges and more students in them than 
any other Christian denomination. Not only must their 
preachers be educated, but our fathers made much of the 
sermon — too much we think to-day. They put in nearly 
the whole Sabbath on two of them. They never seemed 
to believe that God could use a short sermon or hear a 
short prayer. They exalted the sermon as the leading 
part of worship. They emphasized the teaching function 
of the preacher. Instruction and edification character- 
ized their pulpits. They gave no place to solos and 
quartettes and liturgies and spectacular forms. They 
indoctrinated the people. They gave them the funda- 
mental doctrines good and strong and often. They ca- 
techised from house to house. They even dared to put 
off applicants for church membership, whose knowl- 
edge was defective. Their worship may have been 
46 



722 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



deficient in beautiful ceremonies and in the enthu- 
siasm which warms the feelings, but it steadily made 
its impression on the mind and appealed to the 
conviction rather than to the external causes. And 
it tells on their congregations to-day. These travel- 
ling tent preachers that set forth strange doctrines make 
but little headway in a distinctively A. R. P. community 
Our people do not run very much after these fads and 
issues. They may come short in artistic sensibility and 
the expression of passionate fervor, but as a class they are 
well developed in the substantial elements of intellect, 
judgment and conscience. They have been trained to 
think. They know the value of facts. They can general- 
ly give a reason for the hope that is in them. They can't 
go through a service according to the book of common 
prayer, but they can tell you in language, exact and 
plain, what is the chief end of man, and repentance unto 
life and saving faith in Jesus Christ. They are not much 
to shout, but they know how to do justly, show mercy 
and walk humbly with their God. With them the end 
of worship is not culture, but character. 

5. They left us a pattern of the ideal Christian home. 
Since the days of Israel, outside the land of Scotland, there 
have never been purer, sweeter, more heaven-like homes 
than those of our fathers. They were plain and simple, 
with uncovered floors and bare walls and home-made 
furniture, many of them. But there was a wide hearth- 
stone and a general welcome and a Christian hospitality 
and an atmosphere of godliness. Their doors were as 
wide open to the stranger and wayfarer as the gate of 
heaven to a penitent sinner. Parents stood to their chil- 
dren in the place of God — lawgiver, lover, protector, pro- 
vider and controller. The father was prophet, priest and 
king. The mother reigned as queen in her own family 
circle and was content. Marital infidelity cast no shadows. 
Divorce was a thing unknown. Unholy social pleasures 
were barred out. Parents commanded reverence and 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



723 



children learned subjection and yielded obedience. The 
children were taught how to get on in the world, but of- 
ten their little eyes of faith were lovingly pointed away 
to Salem's reigning king. They well knew that they had 
been solemnly dedicated to God, and that in an inner 
chamber they were daily taken in the arms of parents' 
faith and borne to the mercy seat in prayer. 

There was plain living and economy and toil and de- 
nial, but somehow the clouds that gathered didn't hide 
the sun, the sorrow that came only softened the soul, and 
the tears that flowed were always spanned by a rainbow 
of promise. The poet drew their picture when he wrote 
"The Cotter's Saturday Nights." 

6. They taught us how to keep the Sabbath. It is 
granted on all hands that they were more careful than 
any of the other churches about Sabbath observance. I'm 
not old, but I can recall distinctly the horror that came 
over me when one Sabbath morning as a boy I saw a 
man in the crowd at the door of old Ebenezer church 
whittling a stick with his knife. I half expected light- 
ning to strike him. And to this good day I'm afraid to 
whistle on Sabbath. The world calls that narrow. But 
our fathers were nearer right than wrong. You can't 
well be too strict in Sabbath keeping. When one is hurt 
by too rigid a Sabbath, a thousand are ruined by a loose 
one. A man's attitude toward the Sabbath is a fair test 
of his spiritual character. If he is loose on the Sabbath, 
he is lacking in vital godliness, his convictions are shal- 
low, he is not rooted and grounded in love. If he honors 
the Sabbath he is still anchored to God. Letting down on 
the Sabbath is like the letting out of water. Once you 
begin there is no stopping place till the sacredness of the 
day is utterly gone. You hallow it in your heart as God's 
own holiday, on which we are not to do our own work 
nor find our own pleasures nor speak our own words 
nor think our own thoughts, or you lose reverence for 
it altogether. And the transition is not slow. Twenty 



724 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



years ago Christian people would have been horrified if 
some one had prophesied that the theaters would be in 
full blast and great crowds would flock to see baseball 
games in all our cities on Sabbath. But that is what has 
come to pass. If it had been prophesied twenty years 
ago that every Sabbath day the railroad trains would be 
crowded to the very doors with men and women and 
children going off to a picnic, Christians would have said 
''impossible." But it is going on to-day all over this coun- 
try. Our fathers were right. They saw the danger. 
They knew the tendency. They taught us to stand like a 
stone wall against even the slightest infringement of the 
spirit of the Sabbath. They so stood in their day, there- 
by leaving us a blessed Sabbath. And from their graves 
they call on us to follow their example. Only so can we 
transmit a holy Sabbath to our children. 

7. They left us a splendid example of loyalty to con- 
viction. Henry Grady said in his Boston speech that the 
grandest thing in political life of this country since the 
civil war was those 7,000 Democrats of Vermont, who, 
year after year, went to the polls and cast their ballots, 
knowing when they did it that they were in a hopeless 
minority. The sublimest spectacle in the ecclesiastical 
life of the past century has been the little handful of 
Psalm singing Presbyterians in the South testifying to 
essential truth as they saw it. Even if the principle for 
which they have stood be wrong, their loyalty to convic- 
tion challenges the admiration of the world. But that 
principle is not wrong. It is as old as the second com- 
mandment. It is as clearly revealed in the Scriptures as 
the letters cut by God's own hand showed in the two 
tables of stone delivered to Moses on the Mount. II 
is as invincible and as imperishable as eternal truth it- 
self. The world don't think so. The crowd is going 
the other way. With the cumulative momentum of years 
and custom and numbers and wealth, the current sweeps 
on broader and stronger each year. For a hundred years 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



now the church of our fathers has stood alone in this 
Southland and lovingly but courageously protested. It 
has been at great personal cost. Would it be be wrong 
to say it has been at the cost of everything but honor? 
It is not a pleasant thing to be regarded as narrow and 
bigoted and little. It is very uncomfortable as you mingle 
with brethren of large denominations to feel that you are 
looked on as representing a very small old-fashioned 
concern and to be sized up accordingly. It is not an 
easy matter to see place and position and ease and afflu- 
ence easily within your grasp, and yet resolutely turn 
away from it because conscience says you must. It takes 
moral heroism of the grandest type to tie to a seemingly 
losing cause, and give your life, your best, your all to 
an apparently hopeless purpose. Our fathers did it all 
their days. Not of necessity, but of choice. Not for 
want of ambition nor lack of fitness,, but from a sense of 
duty. They were offered good places in other commu- 
nions. They could have filled them. Now and then the 
temptation was more than he could bear, or new light 
come with the new call, and a brother left them. But 
for the most of them there was only one course. They 
did not, nor do their sons, sit in judgment on the con- 
science of other men. But the vision of God that came to 
them revealed certain truths as essential, and they were 
not disobedient to the vision. "To know God, to serve 
Him, to enjoy Him, was with them the great end of ex- 
istence. They recognized no title to superiority but His 
favor, and confident of that favor, they despised all the 
dignities of earth." They were not registered among 
the great here, but their names were written in the 
Lamb's Book of Life. They had no retinue of servants 
here, but legions of angels ministered to them. Their 
houses here were humble and plain, but up yonder they 
had palaces not made with hands, eternal in the heavens 
What mattered to them "the favor of the rich and the 
eloquent, the nobles and the priests of earth? They were 



726 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



rich in a more precious treasure, eloquent in a sublime 
language, noble by right of an earlier creation and priests 
by the imposition of a mightier hand." The explanation 
of their stern loyalty to principles lay in what John 
Adams wrote to his son : "Your conscience is the minis- 
ter plenipotentiary of God Almighty in your breast. See 
to it that this minister never negotiates in vain. Attend 
to him in opposition to all the courts in the world." 

8. They left us a worthy example of faith in God. 
Without prestige or money or influence or schools or 
railroads they set out on horseback, only seven strong, 
to witness for Christ in all that vast tract of country 
south of the Ohio River. What a vast undertaking J 
The worldling would call it folly in the exttreme. But 
it was faith. These men had seen God. They had heard 
his call. And, leaving results with him, they obeyed. 
The line has always been thin. At no time has there been 
much of that strength that comes from elbow touch with 
a marching comrade. The sentinels have rarely been in 
hailing distant of each other. It has been mostly a lone 
picket away off on some outpost ; coining up, some of 
them once each year, many of them not oftener than once 
in five years, to the church courts, by fellowship with 
brethren to warm the heart and strengthen the affection, 
and quicken the enthusiasm, then going back cheerfully 
to their stations and with a love that hoped all things, 
bore all things and endured all things to live and labor and 
die at their post. To their eternal credit be it said, they 
were faithful. They uttered no uncertain sound. In 
the entire century of our history in the hands of only 
two or three has the banner of A. R. Presbyterianism 
touched the earth or gathered a stain. How well they 
succeeded eternity alone can reveal. Their record is on 
high. All we can say is they were faithful. If measured 
by visible results their work has been a comparative fail- 
ure. The large denominations have far outstripped us. 
But numbers don't always count a majority. Judged by 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



that standard Christ was a failure. Thank God, in the 
searching light of the great white throne the faithful are 
the successful. 

"They only the victory win who have fought the good fight and 
have vanquished the demon that tempts us within, 

Who have held to their faith, unseduced by the prize the 
world holds on high. 

Who have dared for a high cause to suffer, resist, fight, if need 
be to die. 

Speak, history, who are life's victors 
Unroll thy long annals and say — 

Are they those whom the world calls the victors? Who won the 

success of a day? 
The martyrs? or Nero? The Spartans who fell at Thermopylae's 

tryst ? .or the Persians and Xerxes ? Pilate or Christ ?" 

And now brethren, what means this retrospect? Why 
this taking stock of the past? To the world this time of 
solemn, thrilling memories, of fraternal reunion, may 
mean little. To you and me it means much. "The far 
distant past is in it. The far distant future is in it. It is 
a chamber of echoes from years long agone and a many 
varied prophecy of years yet to come." This is a clay to 
lift our hallelujahs to heaven for that which is past, but 
it is also a day in which to gird our loins and tighten the 
grip upon our swords for that which is to come. Some- 
times recently the direct question has been put to me by 
some of our more thoughtful, progressive young men, 
"What is the future of our church?" I am neither a 
prophet nor the son of a prophet, but this much I know. 
The past, thank God, is worthy, and is safe. Under God, 
the future depends on you and me. The responsibility 
is on us to hand that past over to the future, not only 
unbetrayed, undamaged, uncrippled, but nerved up to a 
higher and holier tension, fervid, with a warmer zeal, 
purposes more vigorously girded, momentum harder to 



728 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



be resisted, and all baptized with tears of gratitude, en- 
veloped in clouds of prayer and sanctified by a consecra- 
tion higher and more entire. One brother who was work- 
ing one of our city missions said, "the little chapel around 
the corner has no chance against the pipe organ, the paid 
choir and the popular service of the large churches." 
What of it ? Are we seeking to please men or God ? Are 
we standing for truth or bidding for popular favor? 
Candidly, I never hope to see ours one of the large 
churches. You can't make the narrow way popular. 
But there will be a church governed by elders and sing- 
ing David's Psalms as long as truth lives and the con- 
sciences of men obey it. On this day of retrospect and 
prospect we lower no flag, we suggest no compromise, 
we face the future nothing daunted. Why should we 
not? What church is better fitted to preach the gospel 
with the full power of God than our own ? That church, 
which in the first century of the Christian Era, carried 
the gospel in the face of fire and sword to the whole 
Grecian and Roman world, numbering its church organi- 
zations by thousands and its converts by millions, was a 
Psalm-singing Presbyterian Church. If we are not con- 
vinced in our souls that we are commissioned by God to 
stand for essential truth, then honesty compels us to dis- 
band, we have no right to separate existence. But if we 
believe that we stand for principles that are dear to 
Christ, it is craven cowardice to yield an inch. In the 
name of the fathers let us stand like men, and in the 
quaint words of Martin Luther, "tell our Lord God plain- 
ly that if He will have his church, He must look after it 
Himself. We cannot sustain it, and if we could, we 
should be the proudest asses under heaven." We are not 
out of date. Our church is not a back number. Hu- 
manly speaking, God needs us to-day worse than ever be- 
fore. He who looks out upon the world with only half 
an eye can see that we have a special call to gird up our 
loins for the conflict. The very things for which our 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



729 



fathers stood are being impugned to-day as never before. 
This age "is irreverent of antiquity, impatient of dogma, 
intolerant of authority, incredulous of the supernatural, 
ready to call in question every article of religious faith 
and throw doubt on every item of historic fact in the 
Word of God. "Men are saying that evolution holds 
in Christianity as well as in nature. The church of the 
twentieth century has outgrown the standards of doc- 
trine and tests of orthodoxy of Scriptural times. The 
standards and tests fixed by Christ and his Apostles were 
all right in the age in which they lived. But Christianity 
has outgrown them. They belonged to the childhood of 
Christian experience. "Religion is an evolution and the- 
logy a growth. Inspiration is a constant factor in the 
life of the church. Prophets are ever arising with great 
thoughts born in their souls. The demand is for a re- 
statement of creeds, not to conform them more closely 
to the teachings of Scripture; but to adjust them to the 
newly evolved conceptions of the hour." The doctrine of 
the Trinity and vicarious sacrifice, and spiritual regen- 
eration and future punishment are all reckoned among 
the childish things the church must give up. Is there 
no call for the uncompromising fidelity to the Scriptures 
left us by our fathers? We need make no apology for 
saying that another menace of the time is the decline of 
Calvinism in this country. No matter what his religious 
convictions, "no candid student can deny that all that 
is most illustrous in the history of the church has been 
associated more or less closely with Calvinism. Call 
the roll of the great thinkers and writers before the 
Reformation, Augustine, Ansem, Aquinus, Basil, Ber- 
nard, Bede. With rarest exception they are Calvinists. 
Call the roll of the Reformers, Luther, Calvin, Zwingle, 
Huss, Knox, Cranmer, all Calvinists. Call the roll of 
confessors and martyrs in Scotland, Belgium, Holland, 
France, Switzerland — a great host that we cannot num- 
ber — they were all Calvinists. Call the roll of the great 



730 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



heretics who have disturbed the peace of the church and 
hindered her progress, Pelagius, Arius, Socinus, none of 
them were Calvinists. Time would fail us to tell of what 
Calvinism has done for the liberties and rights of man. 
Mr. Froude, who in his earlier works vents his spleen 
upon it, on mature acquaintance with the workings of 
Calvinism in history says, "It has been able to inspire 
the bravest efforts ever made by man to brave the yoke 
of unjust authority. Where all else has failed, where 
patriotism has covered its face, and human courage has 
broken down, when intellect has yielded with a smile or 
a sigh, content to philosophise in the closet, and observe 
worship with the vulgar ; when emotion and sentiment 
and tender imaginative piety have become the handmaids 
of superstition, and have dreamt themselves into forget- 
fulness that there was any difference between truth and 
lies, the slavish form of belief, called Cavinism, has borne 
an inflexible front to illusion and mendacity, and has pre- 
ferred rather to be ground to powder like flint, than to 
bend before violence, or melt under enervating tempta- 
tion." That form of belief to which we owe so much is 
waning in this land to-day. The Congregational Church 
once thoroughly Calvinistic, is now the leader of the 
radical school. The Episcopal Church has Calvinism 
deeply imbedded in its 39 articles, but is leavened through 
and through with Armenianism. The Northern Presby- 
terians have practically repudiated it and are now seeking 
union with the Cumberland Presbyterians who never ac- 
cepted it. Even the Southern Presbyterians are dicker- 
ing with the Confession and hesitating to preach the 
five points in their full scope. Is there no call for our 
father's uncompromising attitude to the grand old doc- 
trine ? One thing more, the seaman asked Jonah, "What 
is thy country?" If that question be put to us, who can 
answer it? What imagination can compass the future of 
this land? The child is already born who will hear in 
this country the hum of 200 millions of people. They 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



731 



are coming from every nation under heaven. They are 
bringing with them every shade of belief, political and 
religious, known to man. Already our institutions are 
threatened. The Sabbath is fearfully imperiled. The 
"Sunday" papers, the "Sunday" train, and the "Sunday" 
amusement companies have well nigh walked away with 
it. Unless some force sets up a strong counter current, 
before many years the quiet, peaceful, worshipful Sab- 
bath of our fathers will be only a memory. The home 
is hanging in the balance. Easy divorce laws, the trend 
of population to the cities, easy,, cheap, rapid facilities 
for travel, and hotel and boarding house life have well 
nigh broken it up. We are likely to lose out of the lives 
of the rising generation that tower in time of temptation 
and that strong influence for righteousness that comes 
from the memory of a godly home. Our nation has 
struck hands with Mormon and Bacchus. "While Alex- 
ander was thundering at the gate of Tyre, the terrified 
inhabitants, suspecting that Apollo, their god, was about 
to forsake them, assembled in the public square ( , and 
with chains fastened his stature to the pedestal. The 
folly of the heathen may teach us wisdom. We must se- 
cure the permanent dwelling of Jesus among us, or as a 
nation we are lost. We must bind Him to our national 
life, not with chains of iron, but with the cords of love, 
with the bands of a man forever more." We are not a 
drop in the bucket. What can we do? "To the undying 
honor of one of the grand old warriors of King David's 
time, it is told that during a Philistine invasion he stood 
all day long in the midst of a little field of lentiles and 
defended it single handed against the whole Philistine 
host. It was not much in itself, only a little patch of 
herbs, but it was part of the sacred soil, and he would 
not allow the foot of the uncircumcised to pollute it." 
Brethren, that's the ideal for us. God help us to hold 
our own part of the field, and thus pass the banner en- 
trusted to us by the fathers on down to our children with 
not a star the less and not a stain upon its folds. 



732 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Introductory Remarks. 

BY REV. R. G. MILLER, D. D. 

I do not know why I am honored with a place on the 
program of this occasion, unless it is that I can some- 
times see a rainbow in a cloud, and, if I rise early 
enough, can see the first gray rays of the approaching 
morn. But who could not see the approach of a better 
day standing as we do, in the light of a century of illus- 
trious deeds by the fathers done. 

In looking towards the century to come, there are 
three things, which, if not spoken of at length ought not 
to be forgotten. 

1. We have the same foundation that our fathers 
built upon. It is the truth of God. It is not decayed or 
worn away. It stands as firm and as secure as ever ; like 
its author, it abides forever. And we may build upon it 
even a more magnificent superstructure than they did. 

We have the same blood. If the Scotch-Irish blood 
was factor in the achievements of the century we cele- 
brate the same blood undiluted flows in the veins of the 
sons and grandsons of these brave sires, and we may ex- 
pect the future to develop sacrifices, endurance and noble 
deeds. 

2. We have greater opportunities. What a privilege 
to live in the 20th century. A country pastor can any 
Sabbath morning speak to a dozen brethren, before 
breakfast and bid them God speed in their message. In 
a little more than forty-eight hours we can reach the 
most distant mission and shake hands with the missionary 
that stands on the frontiers and kisses the breezes which 
come from the Pacific. 

Let us seize these grand opportunities and do our best 
for our Master, advancing the interest of the A. R. P. 
Church. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



733 



3. The world needs the principles of the A. R. P. 
Church. There never was a time when the conservative 
principles of our church which is proverbial for produ- 
cing solid character, Puritan religion and stable man- 
hood, were more needed than now. In this day of com- 
mercialism, of luxury, of pleasure loving, fashion fol- 
lowing, of restlessness and novel seeking, let the princi- 
ples, if not the name of the A. R. P. Church ever live to 
hold men close to the Word of God, and exert their con- 
servative and sanctifying influence far and wide. 

But it is my privilege to introduce the speaker of the 
evening, Rev. W. W. Orr, who can speak more eloquent- 
ly and will speak more at length of the century to come. 



The Century Before Us. 

ADDRESS BY REV. W. W. ORR, D. D. 

"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are be- 
hind, and reaching forth unto those which are before, I press 
toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in 
Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3: 13-14. 

This is most remarkable language to come from such a 
man as Paul. From a Jewish standpoint there were 
many things in his life of which he might have been just- 
ly proud. For instance, his birthright privileges. He 
was not only of the stock of Israel, but he was of the 
tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, that is to 
say he was a full blooded, pure blooded Jew. Again, he 
was circumcised on the eighth clay. He was a Pharisee, 
the son of a Pharisee and had lived the life of a Phari- 
see, he had been brought up at the feet of Gamaliel and 
was therefore well versed in all that pertained to Jewish 
laws anl customs. So far as the law was concerned he 



734 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



had lead a blameless life — he had built for himself a pure, 
clean, upright, and well rounded moral character — as 
touching the law, he was blameless. In addition to all this, 
he had been exceedingly zealous in the cause of religion. 
He could not be content to live after the straightest sect 
of the Jews himself, but he was bent on making others 
see and believe as he did, hence you find him leading the 
persecutions against the saints. Looking at his life from 
a Jewish standpoint there was much that was calculated 
to give him satisfaction and fill him with pride. 

But Paul had another and better life. He had met 
the Christ and had been marvelously converted. Old 
things had passed away and all things had become new. 
He had laid aside his righteousness and counted it but 
dross and was now clothed in the righteousness of God 
which is by faith in Christ. Still, his great heart was 
not content nor his restless soul satisfied. He saw and 
realized there were greater things, grander things, more 
enduring things ahead. Heights in God's love he had 
never scaled, depths in Christian experience he had never 
fathomed and fields of Christian activity he had never 
touched. Hence, with his soul fired with a lofty and 
holy ambition, he exclaims, "Brethren, I count not my- 
self to have apprehended : but this one thing I do, for- 
getting those things which are behind and reaching forth 
unto those things which are before,, I press toward the 
mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus." 
Now a conscious act of forgetfulness, is in the strict 
sense of the word, impossible, but there is a sense in 
which we purposely forget. We all remember best those 
things which interest us most. On the other hand, things 
of small importance we intentionally let slip out of our 
minds. Paul evidently meant to say, that he regarded 
his old life, his past experience and his present attain- 
ments as of very small moment — not worth thinking or 
talking about. He saw something so much higher, 
so much better, so much more satisfactory ahead. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



735 



He had such enlarged and exalted views of the 
Christ and his glory, that in his eagerness to at- 
tain unto it, the past, however good and grand it may 
have been, faded out of his memory. Not only does he 
tell us that he had forgotten the past, but he further em- 
phasizes his determnation to attain to higher things 
when he says, "This one thing I do." He seems to say, 
"I lay down all other work, I turn aside from every other 
vocation, I concentrate all my energies, all my efforts on 
this one thing. Not only so, but he represents himself 
as reaching and pressing towards this end. He is not 
sitting quietly down, congratulating himself over the 
past, however glorious it might have been. But he is 
up, his eye turned toward the future, his soul fired with 
its possibilities, every nerve tingling, every muscle 
strained to its utmost, reaching, yea pressing over what 
to others would be unsurmountable difficulties toward 
something higher. What earnestness t What oneness of 
purpose ! What consecration J What strenuous living is 
this f How his life should fill and thrill us with holy 
aspirations and abounding zeal to realize them. 

Upon this interesting occasion we have heard many 
thoughtful, instructive and inspiring addresses. We have 
been told where and how and when we were organized, 
of the learning, loyalty, piety and self sacrificing zeal of 
those grand old men that constituted the organization. 
Then came the story, thrilling and inspiring, of how the 
grand old rock-ribbed doctrines of Scotch-Irish Presby- 
terianism, founded as they are upon the eternal truth of 
God, had loosed bounds, broken fetters, lit the torch of 
liberty and led the world up to a higher, better, and 
nobler day. This in turn was followed by the faith, the 
wisdom and heroic struggles of our fathers in founding 
and maintaining our institutions of learning. Then came 
the story of our mission work, both at home and abroad 
and this was followed by a clear and forceful presen- 
tation of the principles for which we as a church,, stand — 



736 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



the principles that differentiate us a church from all 
others and warrant our separate existence in the world. 

To-day we have seen the hand of God in our history — 
how he has led us along the way and blessed us in the 
way. Then with pride mingled with fear we have lis- 
tened to the heritage our fathers have left us. 

Now it is ours in this last service to speak of the "Cen- 
tury before us." What shall the future be? I might 
spend the hour in building air castles, painting beautiful 
pictures and predicting wonderful achievements that we 
and our children shall accomplish. But the occasion is 
too important, this day too sacred and this position too 
responsible to deal in airy nothings and meaningless 
phrases. What the future will bring to our Zion, what 
part we shall perform in the salvation of the world, ought 
to be a solemn question to us. Shall a review of our past 
fill us with a spirit of self-sufficiency, self-satisfaction and 
ecclesiastical pride until we shall feel and say "we are 
the people"? or shall we as serious, sober, thoughtful 
men turn our eyes toward the future and say with Paul, 
"Brethren, we count not ourselves to have apprehended, 
but this one thing we do forgetting those things 
which are behind and reaching forth unto those which 
are before, we press toward the mark for the prize of the 
high calling of God in Christ Jesus?" However wise 
and pious our fathers may have been, however much 
they may have planned and accomplished, however grand 
and glorious our heritage may be, none or all of these 
things can meet our responsibilities or determine the 
destiny of our beloved Zion. The fathers have done 
nobly and well with the light before them and the means 
at hand, and God, the righteous judge, has given them 
their reward. Now, the church with all its re- 
sponsibilities, its enterprises and possibilities, is upon 
our shoulders and should be upon our hearts. It 
is ours to prove to the world and to God that we are 
worthy of such parentage and of such an heritage. No 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



737 



amount of reverence for the fathers, or glorying in their 
good deeds will meet our responsibilities. If we as a 
church would meet the expectations of the word of God, 
then we must do largely as Paul did, forget the things 
that are behind, reach forth unto those that are before 
and press toward the mark. 

In order to attain true progress five things are neces- 
sary. 

i. We must not be satisfied with our present achieve- 
ments. There is nothing higher, better or grander for 
the man or the church that is satisfied with present 
progress. This is true in every sense. Financially, so- 
cially, politically, intellectually, physically and religiously. 
Complete satisfaction with present attainments or 
achievements means death to all ambition and therefore 
to all further effort. It is a painful fact that there are 
some men, some institutions and some churches so thor- 
oughly satisfied with themselves, with their glorious past, 
that all further progress is impossible. They boast of 
their ancestry, the blue blood in their veins, the great 
and good men they have been associated with, the free- 
dom from the sins that shock society and disgrace hu- 
manity. Like the Pharisee that stood and prayed thus 
with himself : "God,, I thank thee that I am not as other 
men are; extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this 
publican ; I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I 
possess." Here is a man thoroughly satisfied with his 
present attainments and hence there was no sort of de- 
sire to be or attain to any thing better. 

Institutions and churches often have the same spirit. 
They recount their good deeds, tell of their wonderful 
works, compare themselves with their more unfortunate 
neighbors, and thank God they are better than others. 
Some men in order to hide from view their own sins and 
shortcomings will take a vast amount of pains to hunt up 
and point out the sins of others, and declare themselves to 
be better than they. The same is true of institutions and 
47 



738 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



churches. They are ever ready to work out an example 
in proportion. No part of arithmetic is so fascinating to 
them as "ratio and proportion." If, on comparison with 
others, they find they are doing equally as well or better, 
they fold their hands and compose themselves and very 
complacently thank God for present attainments, and 
therefore neither God nor the world has any right to 
complain. How unlike Paul is this spirit of the Phari- 
see ! Although he had labored and suffered more than 
all the apostles, yet we find him forgetting, not boasting, 
of the past reaching forth and pressing on to some- 
thing higher and better. With him it was more and 
more. If we, as a church, are satisfied with our past 
progress and present attainments,, then all future pro- 
gress will be impossible. All progress grows out of dis- 
satisfaction with present attainments. This is true along 
all material and scientific lines. The first public steam 
railroad in the world was formally inaugurated in En- 
gland Sept. 27, 1825. The road was 38 miles long, the 
train consisted of six loaded wagons, a passenger car- 
riage, 21 trucks filled with seats and six wagons filled 
with coal. It made such speed that frequently it skipped 
across the country at the rate of 12 miles per hour. 
Suppose General Stevenson and the world had been sat- 
isfied with his first attempt at railroading, where would 
have been the magnificent palace cars of to-day, with 
their kitchens, their dining rooms, their bed cham- 
bers, their drawing rooms, their library and parlor 
all complete? And all moving at the rate of from 
40 to 60 miles per hour. Passengers are carried literally 
from one point to another on "flowery beds of ease" and 
trips of thousands of miles are as pleasure excursions ! 

Street cars were first drawn by mules, then came the 
cable and now we have the trolley car that gives almost 
the speed, power and comfort of the steam cars. 

The first newspaper printed in the United States was 
at Boston, Sept. 25, 1690, with this quaint editorial an- 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



739 



nouncement : "It is desired that the country be fur- 
nished once per month (or if any glut of occurrences 
occur, oftener) with an account of such considerable 
things as have arrived under our notice." Compare this 
quaint little sheet with the magnificent dailies that flood 
our country and furnish the news of the world every 
morning for breakfast. And so I might go on for hour 
after hour and give case after case where dissatisfaction 
with present progress has resulted in magnificent achieve- 
ments. The fact is, the world owes its present magnifi- 
cent civilization to this spirit of dissatisfaction with pres- 
ent attainments. Complete satisfaction with yourself or 
with your progress means stagnation, death. 

However great and grand our history may be, let us 
not be satisfied with it. The present should always be 
better than the past and the future should be better than 
the present. 

DESIRE PROGRESS. 

2. There is such a thing as whining over and bewail- 
ing the past, when there is no real heartfelt desire to do 
any better. You sometimes see those who are thoroughly 
dissatisfied with themselves and yet they are content to be 
satisfied with their dissatisfaction. Their language is, 
"true, we are not what we ought to be, but we are about 
as good as we can be." Hence, they fold their hands and 
go to sleep in tears. There is no real heartfelt desire 
after better things. The fact is, they have been still so 
long,, that now to move is very painful. They have trod 
in the old way so long that they are afraid of everything 
that is new, afraid they will make bad matters worse. 

No man can make real progress in anything that does 
not really and truly desire it. David speaking for him- 
self said, "As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so 
panteth my soul after thee, O God." His dissatisfaction 
with present attainments created within him a consuming 
desire for something better. No wonder he progressed 



74o 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



until God said of him, "he is the man after mine own 
heart." 

The church may bewail her past failures and present 
inefficiency, yet she may be so very conservative, so over 
orthodox, so averse to anything like an experiment, that 
no real desire will or can be born in her soul for 
progress. 

Standing, as we are, at the open door of a new century, 
let us ask God to create within us a burning, consuming 
desire for greater, grander and better things than our 
fathers ever dreamed of. Not new doctrines or new prin- 
ciples, but better methods and more consuming zeal. 
Let it be said of us as it was said of the Christ, "the zeal 
of thine house hath eaten me up." 

3. We should enter the new century with a distinct 
end in view. Paul said : "I press toward the mark." He 
had a mark set toward which he bent his efforts. He 
teaches this same lesson of definiteness in Christian work 
when he wrote, "Add to your faith virtue, to virtue 
knowledge, to knowledge temperance, to temperance pa- 
tience, to patience godliness, to godliness brotherly kind- 
ness and to brotherly kindness charity." Here is a well 
denned, definite end to which to work. Haphazard ef- 
forts, and consequently haphazard lives, never accom- 
plish anything lasting or permanent. The individual that 
has a definite purpose is more than likely to accomplish 
something. Just so with the church. If we would ac- 
complish much, we must aim at something definite. A 
haphazard existence is just as bad for the church as for 
the individual. Let us realize the purpose of the church 
in the world : 

1. It is not here simply to exist. Many seem to have 
the idea that if the world will just let the church worship 
God under its own "vine and fig tree" without molesta- 
tion, that is alL it has a right to demand or expect. 

2. The church of Jesus Christ is not here for the sup- 
port of the ministry. They are the servants and not the 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



741 



lords of the church — their support is contingent upon 
their service. 

3. Neither is it here for the social anl intellectual en- 
joyment of its members. However important this may 
be, yet it is not the purpose of the church. 

4. Neither is it the purpose of the church to perpetu- 
ate party strife, sectional hate, or political dogma. But 
it is here as Christ's representative on the earth for the 
purpose of saving men. This is the mark at which we 
should aim, and towards which we should bend all our 
energies. We should realize the fact that the world is 
lost, lost to righteousness, to holiness, to God, lost in sin, 
in misery, in degradation, in death. Now, the one chief 
end of the church, its great business on earth is to save 
men from sin unto holiness. Whilst this is the great 
ultimate end of the church, yet in the accomplishment of 
this end several things are to be done. The truth as God 
has delivered it to us is to be maintained in its integrity, 
for it is the truth that saves. Institutions of learning, 
schools, colleges and seminaries are to be established and 
maintained, for they that would be most effectual work- 
ers must be skilled workmen. As we enter this century 
then, let us set before us this one definite purpose, the 
salvation of men. As I look out upon this new century, 
I am profoundly convinced that we should — 

1. Greatly enlarge our Home Mission work. Great 
and effectual doors are open to us in the South and West. 
Our cities are multiplying and fast becoming great polit- 
ical, social, financial, and religious storm centers. Social- 
ism, anarchy, and lawlessness are rampant in our land. 
There is no hope of redemption from any of our political 
parties. The fact is, they need to be redeemed. The 
gospel of Jesus Christ, the truth of the living God, is 
the only permanent and satisfactory remedy for these 
evils. The gospel, and it alone, can take hold of men, re- 
deem, transform,, and recreate them. 

Now, my brethren, it is no source of congratulation 



742 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



that the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church con- 
tributed only $8,000 per annum to the great work of 
Home Missions. This means 66 2-3 cents per capita per 
annum. However much we may congratulate ourselves 
on our blood, our loyalty and firmness to principle, one 
thing is sure, there is no room for congratulations over 
our liberality. As the blood purchased children of God 
we should hang our heads in shame when we look at this 
fact. 66 2-3 cents per capita annually for the propagation 
of the gospel of Jesus in our home land- This is little 
more than the price an ordinary colored man pays for a 
ticket into the circus. If our gifts have been meager, the 
increase of our roll has been in the same ratio. We are 
now 100 years old and have an enrolled membership of 
less than 15,000. In the past 10 years we have gained 
4„ooo members. Our minutes for the past year show this 
lamentable state of affairs. Forty-four churches aggre- 
gating a membership of more than 2,000, spent the entire 
year without a single accession on profession of faith. 
Twenty-one with an aggregate membership of more than 
1,400, only had one accession apiece. In other words, 
65 churches with an aggregate membership of more than 
3,500 professing Christians, spent a whole year in service 
and received only 21 on profession of faith. Surely there 
is every cause here for humiliation, fasting and prayer. 
Some may say, the seed were sown,, time is required to 
germinate and produce the harvest. But, brethren, we 
have been sowing seed for 100 years, ought we not to 
reap now ? In some of these particular churches we have 
been sowing seed from 25 to 50 years, is it not time for 
a harvest? Does it ease a conscience or bring any com- 
fort to your soul that other denominations are doing no 
better than we? The failure of others brings no com- 
fort to my soul. As we enter the new century, let us lay 
ourselves anew on the altar, consecrate all the powers of 
body, mind and soul to the cause of saving men. God 
forbid that we should be satisfied with such meager re- 
turns. 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



743 



2. We should greatly enlarge our foreign work. True 
we are comparatively young in the cause of Foreign Mis- 
sions, but we should be ashamed of that fact. The great 
commission, "go ve into all the world and preach the 
gospel to every creature," was given more than 1900 
years ago, and it is not to our credit that we had an eccle- 
siastical existence for threescore years and ten before 
we made only a slight attempt to obedience. And even 
now when we are celebrating our one hundredth anni- 
versary, we give less than $6,000 for this great work, a 
fraction less than fifty cents per capita per annum, for 
the conversion of the heathen world. Do we not need to 
be aroused to our duties to those who sit in darkness? 
Can we congratulate ourselves, fold our hands and sit 
down complacently, whilst as a church we are giving about 
$1.16 per capita per annum for Foreign and Home Mis- 
sions both? Ought we not to do some forgetting, some 
reaching and pressing along this line? It should be our 
prayer and our effort to give at least twenty-five cents 
per month to the great cause of evangelizing the world. 
This would mean $36,000 annually for the cause of mis- 
sions. Is there a loyal child of Jesus Christ in all the 
church that will say that this is too much? Why, my 
brethren, this means only six cigars to the man that 
smokes. It is the price of one meal at a cheap restaurant. 
To the man that indulges in his "toddy," it means only 
the price of two drinks, per month. To the com- 
mon wage earner on the farm it means only 2 1-2 
hours of work per month. Now, shall the child of 
God, who has been redeemed by blood, and washed in 
blood, the blood of Jesus, the Christian,, shall he consider 
it a sacrifice, when he is asked to give the pitiable sum of 
twenty-five cents per month? Can we afford to give less 
and maintain the respect of our own conscience? How 
such giving would honor God and bless the work as rep- 
resented by our church. In one year's time we could 
double the work at home and abroad. What a blessing 



744 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



this would be to the world. How it would react upon 
our church in spiritual life and energy. Who dares say 
it is a mark too high for our people? 

3. We should also aim at greatly enlarged and im- 
proved college work in the coming century. Whilst this 
institution is not the main object of the church, yet it 
is vitally connected with its highest welfare. All honor 
to the men who founded it more than threescore years 
ago, and to the men who have maintained it at such tre- 
mendous sacrifice. What is our heritage here? Sixty- 
four years of honorable history. A plant and its endow- 
ment all told, worth practically $200,000. A great num- 
ber of alumni filling honorable professions scattered all 
over our southland and the western country. Not only 
so, but we live in an age in which the spirit of educa- 
tion has taken hold upon the masses of the people as 
never before in the world's history. There never was a 
time when education was so popular, so general, so much 
sought after, as the present. Parents are sacrificing, 
children striving, and thousands and millions of dollars 
are being poured into our college treasuries for this pur- 
pose. Now, let us take a clear and honest survey of our 
own institution. Has our progress here been commensu- 
rate with our advantages and opportunities? In the 
midst of our hilarity and self congratulations, let us look 
at some hard stubborn facts. It may not be pleasant, 
but we hope it will be profitable. Here again, there are 
those who are fond of instituting a comparison between 
ourselves and others, and congratulate themselves that 
we are doing as well or better in proportion than some of 
our unfortunate neighbors. But will this satisfy God or 
even thoughtful men, for our failure to improve our 
talents ? 

But what are the facts? There are two ways to judge 
of the success of an institution. 1, By the quality of its 
work. 2, By the number of its students. Applying these 
tests, what do we find? Has our college improved in 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



745 



the quality of its work? With all due respect to the 
fathers, I shall answer this question in the affirmative. 
I believe the institution is better equipped, better manned 
and is doing a grade of work far superior to anything 
that was ever done by the fathers. But how about our 
numbers? Here we are forced by the facts to say that 
we have not progressed. The five years from 1856 to 
i860, inclusive, our roll of students ran from 117 to 
130, and that, too, from a church membership of less 
than 5,000. Endowment small and insufficient. But 
how do matters stand with the college now? For the 
past five years our roll runs from 100 to 120 students, 
with 100 this year. Nearly fifty years ago Erskine Col- 
lege had more students than she has to-day. Account 
for it as you may, these are the facts. With an increased 
faculty, an endowment reaching nearly $ioq,ooo, with a 
constituency of 12,000, scattered over thirteen States, 
with a wave of education rolling over the country, the 
like of which has never been seen, our roll is shorter to- 
day than some fifty years ago. Should there not be, 
ought there not be some reaching and pressing here to- 
ward a higher mark? We owe it to God, we owe it to 
the world, we owe it to ourselves, to press to a higher 
mark here. 

4. Another mark we should aim at is union with our 
United Presbyterian brethren. 

For years we have been talking union, praying for 
union, hoping for union, and waiting for union. The 
century has closed and we enter upon a new century still 
separated. Thirty-eight long years have come and gone 
since the unfortunate collision between the North and 
South. The sections have united politically. The Dem- 
ocratic party North and the Democratic party South 
march under the same banner, fight for the same poli- 
cies, and vote for the same men at the polls. The same 
is true of the Republican party. 

The business interests of the two sections have long 



746 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



since forgotten their differences and now they stand 
shoulder to shoulder and work hand in hand for their 
common good. The physicians of the two sections met 
together in a national conference in Washington some 
four years after the conflict and organzied a national 
medical association, and now for thirty-four years they 
have worked in harmony and neither side has scalped 
the other. But the church, the blood bought church of 
Jesus Christ, whose founder, leader, and Lord taught 
and practiced the spirit of forgiveness and prayed for a 
spirit of unity among his children and enjoined upon 
them to "love their neighbor as they ' love themselves," 
this church, strange to relate, marvelous to tell, is still 
divided. Shall every other interest be united and the 
interest of Jesus Christ alone be divided? Can we not, 
shall we not practice that peace, that forgiveness and 
that brotherly love which we preach to others? Shall 
the Kingdom of darkness be united and the Kingdom of 
the Prince of Peace divided? My brethren, here is a 
church, the United Presbyterian church, a body of Chris- 
tian people upon whose work God has set his seal, hold- 
ing the same doctrines, the same forms of worship, the 
same principles, with kindred blood in their veins and 
having the same end and aim, holding out their hands 
to us, offering, yea, begging us to clasp hands, to unite 
hearts and labor together in the common cause of our 
common Lord. Shall we, can we honestly before God, 
draw back and say to them, yea, say to God, "We will 
not yield, we will withdraw, secede and perpetuate di- 
visions and schisms, but we will never forgive, forget 
and unite !" God forbid that anyone in the Associate Re- 
formed Presbyterian church shall assume the fearful, 
awful responsibility of perpetuating divisions in the 
body of Christ. Would it not glorify God and bless the 
world for us to catch the spirit of the blessed Christ, 
forget the unpleasant past, turn our eyes in hope toward 
the future and in faith clasp hands with our brethren of 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



747 



the North, with whom we are one in doctrine, one in 
mode of worship, and one as to our distinctive princi- 
ple? 

4. Another requisite to genuine success is, putting 
forth effort. Paul says "I press." This means not only 
labor, but strenuous effort, the exertion of all your pow- 
ers, the letting out the last link. We must not only have 
definite ends in view, but we must put forth the most 
strenuous efforts to accomplish these ends. Our Christ 
labored, the apostles labored, our father labored, and if 
we attain, we, too, must labor. However good our de- 
sires, however well laid our plans, without well directed, 
strenuous effort we will never realize these desires. Few 
of us know what it is to labor as Paul did, or as Luther 
did, or Whitfield, or even as our fathers did. And why 
not ? Are we better than they, or is there less to be done ? 
No man, no institution, no church has ever accomplished 
much, without hard, well directed, painstaking labor. 
It is the price of success in all undertakings. 

5. We must hope to win. This is all important. Hope 
is the mainspring of action. It is the very soul and heart 
of the secret of success. A discouraged man, or institu- 
tion, or church generally means defeat. Hope is not only 
the anchor of the soul, it is also the buoy, not only holds 
us in our place, but it keeps us above the waves. 

Hope of success fired the heart and nerved the arm 
of Napoleon, so much so that he scorned the suggestion 
of the Alps, "there shall be no Alps," he cried. It filled 
the hearts and enthused the souls of our forefathers as 
they cleared the forests, tilled the soil, built cities and 
awoke to life a new continent. More than 1900 years 
ago a little band of disciples started out to revolutionize 
and convert, a world by preaching the doctrines of the 
despised Nazarene. Faith in God and hope of success 
made them irresistible. , 

Let us go into the new century with plans commensu- 
rate with the needs about us, and worthy of our God. 



74 8 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



Who says it is a wild dream to believe that in the com- 
ing century the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church 
will pay at least $3 per capita for the Cause of Home 
and Foreign Missions? With our present membership 
this would mean nearly four times the amount of mission 
work we are now doing. Shall we, can we, be satisfied 
with anything less? 

For our beloved college, let us hope and labor for an 
enlarged plant, thoroughly equipped with all the modern 
appliances. A broader, higher, and more thorough 
course of instruction, with at least 250 students waiting 
eagerly upon her instruction.. An administration, wide 
awake, active, progressive and "up to date," commanding 
the respect and admiration of the world, the united and 
hearty support of the entire church and filling the stu- 
dent body with the keenest enthusiasm and the 
loftiest aspirations. In the face of the success of 
our fathers, success that was nothing short of 
marvelous, when we consider their number and 
means, shall we, can we, be content to live at the 
present dying rate and call ourselves the worthy sons 
of worthy sires ? But again, let us enter the new century 
with the blessed expectation of seeing the church of 
Christ baptized with the Holy Ghost for service. When 
every Christian man and woman shall be a soul winner, 
going forth with clean hands, a pure heart, and a soul 
all aglow with love for the Christ and love for the lost, 
bringing men not by the score, not by the hundreds, but 
by the thousands into the kingdom. God would only be 
too glad to give his Spirit to this end. 

Again, is it visionary to hope to see one grand united 
Psalm singing church, extending from the lakes on the 
North, to the gulf on the South, and spreading from 
ocean to ocean, marching, hand in hand and shoulder to 
shoulder under the same banner and singing the grand 
old God-given songs of the ages? For more than a cen- 
tury they, as well as we, have stood solid and firm for 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



749 



the inspired Psalms in the praise of God, have stood amid 
defection, under persecution and ridicule. Would not a 
real union of these Psalm singing churches, so glorify 
God and so bless the world as to warrant us in laying 
down any little prejudices or differences there may be 
among us and for the love of God, for the cause of truth, 
the truth for which we have stood separate from all other 
churches so long, unite hearts and clasp hands? We led 
the South in the building of a denominational college, in 
the raising of an endowment. We have led in the spirit 
of loyalty, sacrifice and service. Why not lead in the 
spirit of forgiveness and union? Standing at the open- 
ing of a new century, under the shadow of the cross, we 
have a magnificent opportunity of leading our brethren 
of other churches in a grand movement toward the ful- 
fillment of our Lord's prayer, "That they all may be one ; 
as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also 
may be one in us ; that the world may believe that thou 
hast sent me." The opportunity is ours now, have we the 
courage, the faith, the grace, to embrace it? God speed 
the nuptial day when we shall dwell under the same roof, 
gather round the same fireside and meet at the same table 
as one family in Christ. 

Let us, as we go into this new century, a century fra- 
grant with magnificent possibilities, a century that will 
be the grandest of all the centuries past, let us go into it 
with the spirit of self sacrifice, a spirit of loyalty to the 
truth, of loyalty to the living God. If the world needed 
a complete Bible in the past, it will need it in the future. 
Our fathers were loyal to God and to us, let us be loyal 
to God and the coming generations. They attained great 
things with small opportunities. If we prove their equal, 
we must do grander things, for we have grander oppor- 
tunities. We are here not for ornament, not to exist, 
but we are here for service. Some years ago I stood in 
the Atlanta Exposition and surveyed with pride and 
pleasure one of those magnificent Mogul engines that 



750 



CENTENNIAL ADDRESSES. 



was on exposition. It was perfect in all its parts. 
Every rod, piston and valve was at its proper 
place and all bright and shining. After look- 
ing at it for some time, I asked the keeper if I might 
sit down in its cab. Permission was granted on condi- 
tion that I did not scratch or soil the machinery. I 
mounted, took my seat, pulled wide open the throttle and 
closed my eyes. I could imagine that I was skipping 
across the country at the rate of sixty miles per hour. 
But when I opened my eyes, I found I was standing just 
where I was when I entered the cab. Although it was 
strong, beautiful, clean and perfect in all its parts, yet 
it was dead, no power, no service. There it stood help- 
less and lifeless. A few days afterwards I stood at the 
depot and saw a great big black engine, all covered with 
dust, soot, cinders, and grease, come thundering along 
down the track, pulling its train of more than forty 
loaded box cars. I said to myself that I would rather be 
that engine pulling that load of precious freight, al- 
though it is dusty and greasy, than to be that great, big, 
clean, bright, beautiful dead thing in the fair ground. 
Let this thought take full possession of our entire being, 
"We have been saved to serve." 

As we bid farewell to the old century with its great and 
grand and good men, let us thank God for what it has 
brought us, and let us step into the new century, hand 
in hand, shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart, our eyes 
upon the King, our hearts full of the loftiest aspirations, 
exclaiming, with the apostle, "Brethren, we count not 
ourselves to have apprehended. But this one thing we 
do, forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching 
forth unto those which are before, we press toward the 
mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ 
Jesus." 




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